New York Giants Roster Moves, Free Agency Signings

March 15, 2012

NEW YORK – To say that the Giants have been busy the past 48 hours is an understatement. The Giants could hit the 15-17 player signings benchmark by tonight if they continue at this pace. I see what Giants GM Jerry Reese is doing and it is fun to take this journey of evolution with him and guess what happens because he is not showing his hand. You must know the team well enough to come up with scenarios and quite frankly, if you’re one of those writers who has given up, don’t steal my formulas or ideas and print them as your own. I read everything related to the Giants daily. It’s like a kick in the gut when you put two and two together and check the timelines for story releases. If you want my work, pay me, don’t be a hack.

Now back to business, the Giants have made about a dozen deals over the last 48 hours and show no signs of stopping today. They know the cream of the crop is almost completely devoured by now and will make a couple more moves in my opinion by Friday night. It’s safe to say the Giants have addressed the tight end and cornerback areas considerably thus far. They also have S Chad Jones, CB Prince Amukamara, CB Corey Webster to work with too and TE Jake Ballard and TE Travis Beckum. How about signing both of the Andrews brothers (Shawn and Stacy)? Get those guys up to speed and on the field together and see what happens. I also think that signing DE Osi Umenyiora, S Deon Grant, LB Chase Blackburn are crucial for the defense and special teams group.

Let’s take a look at what has happened thus far. Giants GM Jerry Reese has solidified the cornerback position on defense. He knows the defensive line is fine but if a good deal presents itself, who knows? He knows the safety group is fine, maybe add one more. This tells me he will be attacking the linebacker group via the upcoming NFL draft. If he catches lightning in a bottle with a future LT, I think he will use the majority of the other picks on offense. I think it will be a LB or OL taken in round one this year. I hope it is another athletic linebacker to help out but at the same time think a ten year offensive lineman is needed right now. The recent roster moves also tell me the offensive line will be addressed via the draft and certainly the running back position.

Here are some of the recent signings by Big Blue this week. Some of the deals did not publicly state the terms.

These roster moves are valid as of 3/15/12 at 8:00 AM:

1. CB Terrell Thomas, 6’0″ 200 pounds – 4 year deal, fair and smart move.

2. WR Domenik Hixon, 6’2″ 185 pounds – 1 year deal, worth the shot.

3. CB Michael Coe, 6’0″ 190 pounds – Smart signing to bolster DB’s.

4. CB Bruce Johnson, 5’11” 185 pounds – Smart signing to bolster DB’s.

5. TE Jake Ballard, 6’6″ 256 pounds – I like this signing a lot. Well done.

6. CB Justin Tryon, 5’9″ 190 pounds – Smart signing to bolster DB’s.

7. QB David Carr, 6’3″ 215 pounds – I have always liked Carr.

8. TE Martellus Bennett, 6’6″ 270 pounds – 1 year deal, smart.

9. P Steve Weatherford, 6’2″ 211 pounds – Franchise tag, brilliant.

10. TE Larry Donnell, 6’6″ 269 pounds – No NFL experience.

11. OL Joel Reinders, 6’8″ 317 pounds – No NFL experience.

Keep an eye on players who were released, free agent markets:

1. RB Brandon Jacobs – Released by team. Surprising move and I hope he can return for a new restructured contract.

2. WR Mario Manningham – I hope we can re-sign Super Mario somehow but right now he is checking out the 49ers free agent market.

3. CB Aaron Ross – Visiting teams as we speak, Washington was the most recent. Really Aaron?

4. OL Kareem McKenzie – Restructure the contract for less money and get that 3rd ring and maybe Ring of Honor one day.

5. S Deon Grant – Both sides need to get this done. I love the way this man plays football.

6. LB Chase Blackburn – This guy is a big deal and he proved it again last season. Give him 3 years.

7. DE Dave Tollefson – He plays with the best defensive line in football and holds his own. Worth re-signing.

8. TE Kevin Boss – Rumors of him returning are doubtful after Martellus Bennett signing. Maybe not?

9. WR Plaxico Burress – Rumors of his return are most likely just that, rumors.

10. WR Steve Smith – This is an interesting possibility if they lose Mario Manningham. It’s doubtful to ever happen.

11. DE Osi Umenyiora – Pay this man the money he has earned and work it out like Manning’s contract or something.

What are your thoughts on the recent transactions made by the New York Giants? Feel free to leave a comment below.

RD – nygreporter.com

Check out New York Giants Team Captain, Justin Tuck’s camp info here Justin Tuck ProCamps.


Giants Bag Five After Free Agent Hunting Licenses Are Stamped

March 13, 2012

NEW YORK – It didn’t take long for a new wave of emotion to rush over Giants fans since the Super Bowl win over the Patriots, for a second time, in Super Bowl XLVI. The prospects and free agents are everywhere and there are players for every position. I discussed the fact that the Giants would strike quickly in my article yesterday and the Boys in Blue did not disappoint. News broke before 10:00 AM about the team re-signing CB Terrell Thomas to a 4-year deal worth over $25 million, to the pleasure of Giants fans all over the internet. They followed up by re-signing two more cornerbacks Michael Coe and Justin Tryon. They also signed OL Joel Reinders (6’8″ 317 pounds) and TE Larry Donnell (6’6″ 269 pounds), neither have NFL experience. The entire NFL was set ablaze today with excitement and anticipation of what moves their respective teams might make. I am one of those fans on the most basic level, as we all are, and couldn’t wait to see who the G-Men picked up. Giants GM Jerry Reese does a wonderful job handling these things, even if you cannot see the impact right away, it becomes evident by the end. Jerry Reese, once again, deserves to be NFL GM of the Year!

The Free Agency madness will continue for quite a while but I expect the most damage to be done within the first 48-72 hours. After that, you are picking bones for talent. GM Jerry Reese knows this and knows it makes no difference if you pick up a guy in the first hour or last hour of free agency. The only thing that changes is the level of talent you are getting at a lower price, the further down the rabbit hole you go. I fully expected the Giants to make at least one considerable signing today in an area of need and they did. It just made too much sense not to pull the trigger. If not done by today, then I would have expected them to make two signings tomorrow. Also, prepare to have your hearts broken because there a few fan favorite players that might not be with the team next year. It’s the mathematical part of the game that hurts the most. It’s pure business but a very cold dish to serve.

The Giants have so many free agents this year and very little wiggle room with the cap space. Jerry Reese and the front office will need to make miracles happen. It would be nice to tighten up the defense a little with signing a free agent linebacker with an Antrel Rolle athletic level. But they also need to keep current Giants players under contract for long stretches. There is a lot of work to do but today was a good start. They are not done at all Giants fans, so hold onto your seat. Rumors are still swirling about TE Kevin Boss, WR Steve Smith, WR Plaxico Burress all possibly returning to Big Blue and now news of Dallas TE Martellus Bennett coming to East Rutherford for a visit. Keep an eye on the running backs and linebackers. I think Jerry Reese has made the Giants draft plan a bit clearer with these moves. In my opinion, he still needs to sign DE Osi Umenyiora, S Deon Grant, DE Dave Tollefson, WR Mario Manningham and WR Victor Cruz. Could you imagine the Giants defense if they signed Mario Williams!

Who will be the top three most important free agent signings for Big Blue?

RD – nygreporter.com

Please Support New York Giants Legend, George Martin’s “A Journey for 9/11” Charity. Never Forget!


Super Bowl XLVI Kickoff is Mere Hours Away

February 5, 2012

NEW YORK – Super Bowl Sunday has arrived fans and we are about five hours away from kickoff now. There is an electricity in the air today and the internet is exploding with news and content. It has been a long two weeks but we are mere hours away from finding out who will be Super Bowl XLVI Champions! It’s exciting and I’m eager to get the game started. I am still extremely confident the Giants are going to beat the Patriots. Call it a premonition or whatever you like but I think the G-men get another ring by midnight.

Fans who want to get some really good info on the game should check out twitter and build a solid timeline of friends and contacts. Once you get into a groove with those guys it is actually a lot of fun. We’ve stuck together the entire season and should be given a Giants Super Bowl ring for our loyalty in the face of adversity and for all of the free social media work we do to keep Giants fans sane. But first the Giants have to win the ring. Expect the unexpected and be on your toes the entire game. Patriots head coach Bill Belichick is sneaky and not above using high school tactics to gain a first down. Tom Brady is another shifty eyed sneak to watch.

I hope all of our readers and Giants fans everywhere have a great day and enjoy watching the big game tonight. Remember, do not drink and drive, think about the kids out there! I know that Big Blue is representing in Indianapolis and have heard reports that most of the public float of tickets were purchased by New York fans. Let the tens of millions of fans watching on TV or listening on the radio hear you loud and clear. Take over Lucas Oil stadium and give the Giants players a small edge. I also hope the fans stay classy and remember that families go to these games. It’s a big deal and great moment for anyone who gets the chance to go to the Super Bowl. I hope you all have the time of your lives! If you take photo’s at the event and want to share them for free, check out the nygreporter Flickr group called “New York Giants Free Pics”. It is to help those who have Giants websites and need free use Giants photo’s. I would love to see more Giants fans post pics on there and see what you see at the Super Bowl. Just make sure the only photo’s you post to the group are ones you have taken yourself. Here is the link to the website: New York Giants Free Pics

There is nothing left to say or analyze and no trash talk left to bark. The Giants and Patriots are going to play a football game in a few hours that will determine who is the best team in the NFL this year. One last time, my final score prediction for this game is a Giants win 38-27.

How will you spend your night watching the Super Bowl?

RD – nygreporter.com – Good Luck Giants!

Please Support New York Giants Legend, George Martin’s “A Journey for 9/11” Charity. Never Forget!