Mailbag: Saquon Barkley returning kickoffs? Free agents? More questions

It might be the offseason, but football never really stops. Neither do we at Big Blue View. With that in mind, let’s open up the Big Blue View mailbag and see what questions you have as we roll into June.

Ed says: Pete, to be honest media has not seen the Giants practice the kickoff. They haven’t worked on it in the two OTAs we have seen. Coach Pat Shurmur has indicated that Saquon Barkley would be part of the mix on kickoff return. That doesn’t mean he will be the primary guy. It might not mean we will see him there at all. It just means that as of now the Giants haven’t ruled out the idea of using Barkley to return at least some kickoffs.

Matt Annunziata asks: Now that June 1st is here, what remaining free agents do you see the Giants having an interest bringing in to camp? Also, if they do sign someone, what impact does said contract have on the 2018 and/or 2019 salary cap?

Ed says: Matt, the reality is that most of the major roster moves have been made. I think the Giants will continue to look for low-cost players who can help them — perhaps a veteran offensive tackle who could be a backup, a placekicker and more help in the secondary. I wouldn’t expect anything major, though. As for cap impact, that depends on the contract and on how the Giants make roster space for anyone they add. They don’t have a lot of cap room right now, though. Right now, I’d hesitate to give you names. Let’s see who gets cut loose throughout the summer.

Scott Williamson asks: Why haven’t we tried to bring back DRC? We’re pretty thin at cornerback and Eli Apple’s potential remains to be realized. Also Jonathan Hankins left the Colts because they’re moving from a 3-4 defense to a 4-3. Considering we’re switching to a 3-4 and our D-line isn’t particularly deep wouldn’t signing him back make sense?

Ed says: Two questions in one, both about former Giants defensive players. Sneaky, Scott, very sneaky. Let’s tackle both.

Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie — Fans keep asking about bringing back DRC, but at this point I would encourage you to move on. Anything is possible, but it appears that is what the Giants have done. They offered him the opportunity to stay on a reduced contract, and he refused to accept the pay cut. DRC apparently still believes he can find a better deal, and I seriously doubt he would take an offer from the Giants at this point that might even be less than the pay cut he originally turned down. I just don’t see it happening.

Johnathan Hankins — I think you have it backwards. The Colts were a 3-4 team a year ago and used Hankins as the nose tackle. They are going to the 4-3 in 2018, and decided Hankins was not a fit for that alignment.

The Giants already have Damon Harrison at the nose. They have Dalvin Tomlinson. They drafted B.J. Hill and R.J. McIntosh. They signed A.J. Francis and Josh Mauro. They still have Kerry Wynn. Where, exactly, would Hankins play? There’s no room at the inn. Especially for a guy who is going to want a handsome pay day.

John Kadriu asks: Do you believe Hunter Sharp will make the roster? He has been impressing me greatly.

Ed says: Sharp, a wide receiver, does keep showing up in the OTA highlight reels provided by the Giants official website. Will he make the team? I don’t honestly know, but someone has to return punts (a 9.3 yards per return average for the Giants and Denver Broncos last season) is probably the thing that gives him a chance.

Edwin Gommers asks: With a number of safeties and CBs out there, any chance the Giants will be making changes to their roster: TJ Ward, Mike Mitchell, Vaccaro, Webster, Breaux just to name a few. Talent wise I’d love Eric Reid especially as he’s a FS who could complement Collins very well, but he’ll be too controversial for the Giants (management and ownership)

Ed says: Anything is possible, but as I have said in answer to other questions I think the Giants are done with anything that would be considered a big move. As for Eric Reid, rightly or wrongly I think you answered your own question.

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