Articles

Do the Giants Need to Make Moves

By Michael Stewart

With the NFL Deadline approaching (4pm Nov 3rd), the Giants are in need of some help; especially on the defensive side. Reports have the Giants showing interest in the Chargers safety Eric Weddle to help solidify a weak secondary.

Weddle (30 years old) has been named to the Pro Bowl three times and is also a 2 time All-Pro selection. This is the final year of a five-year deal, $40 million and has a salary is $7.5 million this season. Giants certainly have the camp space to acquire Weddle ($16.3M), however; the question is: should they?

Although Weddle is a better option than Craig Dahl and even Brandon Meriweather, should the Giants invest in a middle-age safety that needs more weapons other than Weddle. The risks are low and returns are high as Weddle would only be a Giant most likely for this season only.

Also, the Giants could be looking to improve the linebacking corp, offensive line and the TE positions as well, according to SNY reporter Sam Spiegelman, who suggests that the Giants should consider looking into the following 3 players:

  1. LB – Barkevious Mingo, Browns

Mingo is one of many Browns reportedly on the trade block, the former No. 6 overall pick in the 2013 NFL draft would add another weapon to the Giants pass rush, which was unable to get to Drew Brees in spite of 50 drop-backs Sunday in the Superdome. Mingo has 7.0 career sacks, and none this season, but he has only 16 career starts. Steve Spagnuolo is more creative than the Browns’ defensive coaches and could take advantage the 6-foot-4, 240-pounder’s skill sets.

My Thoughts: Mingo has a more manageable contract of $585K remaining in 2015 and $675K for 2016. NY Giants lack of pressure on the quarterback and also their lack of depth at Linebacker, makes this selection a no-brainer.

  1. LT – Joe Thomas, Browns

Let’s stick with the theme of picking off Browns. Cleveland is also reportedly dangling it’s All-Pro left tackle, which has been a weakness for the Giants to date. Will Beatty is on his way back, but coming off an injury, there’s a chance for diminished returns.Thomas could take over at left tackle to protect Eli Manning’s blindside, leaving Beatty to handle right tackle duties and the rookie, Ereck Flowers, as either a swing tackle or a potential guard.

My Thoughts: Athough Thomas would be an upgrade over either Flowers or Newhouse; the fact that the Giants would be obligated until possibly 2018 and over $26M when Thomas would be 33 years, wouldn’t make much sense.

  1. TE – Jared Cook, Rams

Cook has been the subject of trade rumors of late, and with the injury to Larry Donnell, perhaps the Giants should consider an upgrade at tight end. Cook has had more than 50 receptions for more than 600 yards each of the past two seasons in St. Louis. He has eight touchdowns in that span.

Yet the Rams seem inclined to turn over tight end duties to Lance Kendricks. Donnell has not been as productive in 2015 as he was a year ago. Injuries hampered him over the summer. Cook could be a superior option.

My Thoughts: Very similar to Thomas in terms of their contract as Cook still has over $20M remaining on his contract which ends in 2017. Although the Giants lack the production at the TE position, that is not the problem. They have more weapons on offense than on defense.

Final Thoughts: If the Giants are to make a move or two before the deadline, it has to be on defense. DC Steve Spagnuolo can only do so much and if the Giants want to win the NFC east, they will need a defense worthy to make plays.