Giants Free Agency: Could WR Brian Quick help New York’s offense?

When Brian Quick came out of college in 2012, highly-respected NFL analyst Greg Cosell opined that “with his size and overall skill set, he has a chance to be the best wide receiver in this draft class.”

Through four years, though, Quick’s career with the then-St. Louis Rams was a disappointment. Selected with the first pick of the second round, 33rd overall, there was an expectation that Quick’s ascension would take a while. Sixty-four receptions over four years, though, was far less than the Rams had hoped for.

In 2016, though, Quick hinted at the potential that scouts saw while he was at Appalachian State. He established career highs in receptions (41) and yards (564). He also tied his career-best with three touchdown catches. Quick can be a free agent this March.

Is Quick a fit for the New York Giants, who could be in the market for a big-bodied outside wide receiver to complement Odell Beckham Jr. and Sterling Shepard? Back in December, former BBV staff writer ‘Invictus’ recommended bringing Quick on board.

The Giants, of course, have a decision to make regarding the future of Victor Cruz. The 30-year-old Cruz carries a $9.4 million cap hit for 2017. Do the Giants renegotiate Cruz’s deal, or cut him outright and move on?

Comparing Cruz and Quick, and what they could bring to the Giants in 2017, is interesting. Their 2016 numbers are almost identical, with Cruz catching 39 passes to Quick’s 41 and gaining 586 yards receiving to Quick’s 564.

Need Giants gear, including new Pro Bowl attire? Get it in the Big Blue View Giants Store sponsored by Football Fanatics.

Let’s look beyond the 2016 production.

Cruz is a player with a great past, at one time the Giants’ biggest play-maker. He is 30 now, slowed by leg injuries that cost him nearly two full seasons. He is also a seemingly ill fit for what the Giants ask him to do. Cruz made his reputation as a slot receiver, but with Shepard drafted to play that spot and Beckham going there occasionally Cruz is left to play outside.

Quick, who will be 28 next season, appears to just be coming into his own. While the Giants’ offense was malfunctioning much of 2016, Cruz was still catching passes from two-time Super Bowl MVP Eli Manning. Quick had the best season of his career while hoping journeyman Case Keenum and often-overmatched rookie Jared Goff could get him the ball.

Quick is also a true outside receiver. Depending on what listing you read he is anywhere from 6-foot-3 to 6-4 and somewhere between 209 and 220 pounds.

Spotrac’s Market Value Tool says that Quick could expect offers in the range of four years and $22.5 million, roughly $5.6 million annually.

There are, of course, other more highly-regarded wide receivers like Alshon Jeffery, Terrelle Pryor, Pierre Garcon and Kenny Britt who could hit the market.

Would Quick’s lower price tag, and the possibility that he is still ascending, be worth the risk for the Giants?

[E-mail Ed at bigblueview@gmail.com | Follow Big Blue View on Twitter | 'Like' Big Blue View on Facebook]