If the recent report of Bleacher Report’s Jason Cole is accurate, then former Baltimore Ravens offensive lineman Eugene Monroe turned down all overtures by the New York Giants to join them and play right tackle. Presuming that’s the case, there are still plenty of right tackles who could help the Giants offensive line. With Marshall Newhouse currently slated to start at the right tackle position, the team could certainly use an upgrade.
Right Tackles Who Could Help the New York Giants
Cole reported that Monroe, a left tackle his entire career, would not play right tackle for the Giants. This doesn’t mean the former Raven wouldn’t reconsider the possibility of moving to the opposite side. Until Monroe is quoted saying that he won’t play right tackle, he is still in play.
There were a lot of Giants fans who were upset with general manager Jerry Reese for not trying to trade for or overwhelm Monroe with a contract offer in an effort to sign him quickly. In Reese’s defense, he likely didn’t want to give up any draft picks in a trade for Monroe. He would also be responsible for $6.5 million base salary left on his contract. With Monroe being a veteran free agent, it would benefit him to take his time. He may even want to wait into the pre-season before making a decision. One never knows just what other opportunities could develop. It would mean less training camp and perhaps more money.
Free Agents
Despite the recent focus being mostly on Monroe’s availability, there are still offensive linemen who are available to the New York Giants, including 31-year-old Jake Long. The four-time Pro Bowler was a target of the Giants last season before he signed with the Atlanta Falcons. After barely playing last season with Atlanta (only 10 ten snaps for the entire season), he says he’s healthier than he has been in several years. Long did occasionally line up on the right side during his final campaign with the Rams, so playing there could potentially happen if the Giants showed renewed interest.
Someone the Giants should keep their eyes on as well is 26-year-old Anthony Davis of the San Francisco 49ers. Davis is currently retired from the NFL, but all indications are that he wants to return. Davis– a New Jersey native who played college football at Rutgers University–apparently doesn’t want to play for the 49ers. If Davis is released, New York would be an obvious landing spot.
Trade Options
Another player who might be available via trade is 24-year-old Luke Joeckel of the Jacksonville Jaguars. As the second overall pick in the 2013 NFL Draft, Joeckel hasn’t lived up to his draft status. While he’s entering the final year of his rookie deal, the question will be if he can play on the right side.
Giants head coach Ben McAdoo said after the draft that, “the story is yet to be written on the right side of the offensive line.” He added that they would add a player “if the right somebody shows up.”
If the Giants are unable to acquire a starter, then they’ll enter the season with Newhouse and John Jerry on the right side. Should that scenario hold up, the Giants will need Ereck Flowers to display significant improvement in his second season to maintain a formidable offensive line.
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