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Former New York Jets center Nick Mangold is reportedly drawing interest from the New York Giants, a tantalizing development that raises more questions than it answers.
What would the Giants do with the 33-year-old Mangold? He is a seven-time Pro Bowler and two-time All-Pro, but does not appear to have ever played a position other than center at the NFL or collegiate level. The Giants already have Weston Richburg at center, though Richburg did play left guard as a rookie in 2014. Richburg is also in the final year of his rookie contract.
With Richburg at center, Justin Pugh at left guard and John Jerry and D.J. Fluker at right guard what would the Giants’ plan be if they added Mangold? Could they put Mangold into competition with Jerry, and push Fluker out to right tackle? Could they be willing to move Richburg to guard and Pugh, who played two seasons at right tackle, back to that spot? Do they think Mangold can play left guard if they move Pugh to right tackle?
It seems doubtful they would move Pugh to left tackle, especially after co-owner John Mara voiced support for leaving Ereck Flowers there.
More questions. Do the Giants have serious interest in Mangold? GM Jerry Reese is fond of saying that the team investigates everything. Is this just a case where the Giants made a due diligence phone call just to gauge how badly Mangold wanted to continue playing, or see if he had any interest in the Giants?
Mangold was limited to eight games last season by an ankle injury, the first time in his career he has played in fewer than 14 games.
At this rate, though, the Giants may have to paint a little corner of their locker room green, having already added former Jets Brandon Marshall and Geno Smith to their roster.