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And just like that another free agent left tackle is off the market. For months fans of the New York Giants had hoped that the team would look to free agency to create an instant impact for their offensive line.
Josina Anderson is reporting that the Los Angeles Chargers have signed free agent left tackle Russell Okung.
I'm told Russell Okung has agreed to go the #Chargers on a 4-year deal for $53M. Guaranteed $25M
— Josina Anderson (@JosinaAnderson) March 9, 2017
Twenty-five million guaranteed dollars seems to be the going rate for a starting offensive tackle in today’s market. That was the guaranteed money given by the Chargers to Okung and by the Carolina Panthers to Matt Kalil.
If that is indeed the case, the Giants were never really in the market for a starting offensive tackle — or at least the market was never really within their reach.
That could explain their urgency to sign Brandon Marshall and Rhett Ellison. Marshall is still a very strong blocker on the perimeter and at the second level, while Ellison is a good blocker from the tight end position. The Giants want to improve their running game, and so far have gone about it in the most cost-effective way they can.