2016 NFL free agency: Russell Okung signs with the Denver Broncos

If the New York Giants were counting on their ability to lure Russell Okung to the Big Apple -- well, as close a property taxes allow, anyway -- to solve their right tackle problem, then they will have to move on to plan "B."

Thursday afternoon it was announced that the Denver Broncos would be signing the former Seattle Seahawks' left tackle to a big contract.

Sources tell me that OT Russell Okung is close to finalizing a 5-year deal with the Denver #Broncos worth $10.6M per year.

— Josina Anderson (@JosinaAnderson) March 17, 2016

It was very important to Russell Okung to have the opportunity to stay at left tackle. He’s been firm on that & his belief in himself.

— Josina Anderson (@JosinaAnderson) March 17, 2016

We don't know what the sticking point was between the Giants and Okung, but these two tweets likely give us clues. First, given how injury ravaged the Giants have been, they would be unlikely to give a big, long-term deal to a player who has as extensive an injury history as Okung. Also, the team is committed to developing Ereck Flowers as their left tackle of the future.

Regardless, Okung is a Bronco now, and the Giants will need to continue looking for a right tackle.