Let’s be honest with ourselves. The New York Giants have won 51 games since they won the Super Bowl in 2011. That averages out to six games per season for eight years.
That is downright sad.
So for all the people who think the New York Giants are the oasis of the NFL, I think you need to reevaluate the status of your ball club. With a new regime and new players, there is plenty to look forward to. Dave Gettleman and the Mara team needs to continue with its draft success and finds ways to wrangle a better class of free agents to the Big Apple. That costs money.
However, the 800 lbs pound gorilla in the room must be addressed. Free Agents have been discarded by their current team because the player is no longer wanted by their former team. The free agents are either a pain in the ass, broken, expensive or the juice isn’t worth the squeeze.
So debating Free Agent contracts,” who is” and “who isn’t” worth it seems pretty silly. Everyone entering the building has a past, but make no mistake these band of misfits can help your team win.
Discarded Talent
Over the years the Giants have found a handful of diamonds in the rough, including, Antonio Pierce, Antrel Rolle, Kawika Mitchell, Chris Canty, Fred Robbins, Kevin Booth, David Carr, Kareem McKenzie, and Plaxico Burress to name a few.
Each one of them has a story. So when you look at the 2020 class of free agents, I recommend you approach them with an open mind.
Sean Lee: Linebacker
Sean Lee – the 33-year-old linebacker can flat out ball. Yes, everyone knows that he has suffered some major injuries. That’s easy. Let’s look deeper. The guy is a flat out tackling machine. In a three year period of time, he had 374 tackles. That is even missing 5 games in 2017. Hard to ignore.
- 2015 – 128 tackles (14 games)
- 2016 – 145 tackles (15 games)
- 2017 – 101 tackles (11 games)
While no one is ever 100% healthy, Lee played a full season in 2019 and had 86 tackles | 4 PD | 1 INT. This was after losing his job. He is the perfect bridge and mentor for Ryan Connelly who is rehabbing an ACL tear. He raves about Coach Garrett and how much he respects and loves him for sticking by him through some rough injuries and trying times. His leadership and work ethic on and off the field makes Lee a great fit for Judge and his new staff.
Jack Conklin: Right Tackle
What makes Jack Conklin so special? Where do I begin? Out of the gate…he’s not even close to being a journeyman. He’s in the prime of his career at 26 years old and was the best lineman the Titans had after Taylor Lewan was suspended. Depending on your source…Conklin is a top-rated Right Tackle.
Conklin was also the driving force behind that amazing running attack led by Derrick Henry. What is Conklin known for? A tackle that gets OUTSIDE and blocks they edge before moving upfield to the second level. This is the exact type of lineman that Barkley needs. A guy that can create some momentum on the outside and in open space. The big question is do you really want to repeat history?
Eli Manning had no lineman the entire second half of his career. The GM ignored the QB’s need for legit, quality lineman. The Giants need to protect Jones at all costs. With two Right Tackles (Johnson and Collins) getting paid in 2019, you can figure Conklin will fall in between their two deals. Expect $12M to $14M. Pay it and move on.
It’s time to look at the big picture. If you don’t overpay Conklin he doesn’t come to New York. There are other places to play and you risk Remmers, Big George and Gates being your options. We’ve seen that before…it doesn’t work.
If the Giants are serious about winning and putting this franchise back in the playoffs they need to get behind what they can control. The Defense can not limp through another season with below average football players.