The New York Giants don’t appear to be done looking for depth and flexibility along their offensive line. After signing tackle Nate Solder and Patrick Omameh, the Giants are reportedly interested in veteran center John Sullivan.
#Rams veteran C John Sullivan was invited on a visit by the #Giants, source said, as they continue to try to improve their OL. He’s drawing interest from the #Redskins, too.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) March 15, 2018
Who is he?
Sullivan, who will be 33 before the season begins, was a sixth-round pick by the Minnesota Vikings in the 2008 NFL Draft.
Sullivan spent seven seasons with the Vikings before missing all of the 2015 season due a back injury. He played sparingly for the Washington Redskins in 2016, starting just one game. He started 15 games last season for the Los Angeles Rams.
The Rams would like Sullivan back, and he is also reportedly drawing interest from the Washington Redskins.
In its 2018 Free Agency Guide, Pro Football Focus says:
Once the class of the league at the position, Sullivan’s body revolted against him once he hit 30. He managed 98 total snaps in the 2015 and 2016 seasons before the Rams got him for less than $1 million this offseason. He repaid them with a quality season once again. He achieved a 74.6 overall grade on 927 snaps, including the postseason. Sullivan made a name for himself running gap concepts in Minnesota, but he proved to be capable in the Rams’ outside zone heavy scheme as well.
Why it would make sense
If he signed with the Giants, Sullivan would likely compete with Brett Jones for the starting center role. Jones has also shown the ability to play guard.
Jones played well last season, starting 13 games at guard and center. He became the full-time center after Weston Richburg was felled by a concussion.
Last season was Jones’ first as an NFL starter. Perhaps the Giants are not completely comfortable with Jones and want to provide him competition. At present, John Greco and Jon Halapio are Jones’ backups. Both can play center, but have little experience doing so.