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Has Jon Beason Become the Giants Most Important Free Agent?

When Jon Beason was traded to the New York Giants back in October, he was notoriously recognized as an injury-prone, albeit talented, middle linebacker. The Giants did not expect much from this trade, but they decided to take a chance on a talented player for a measly 7th round pick. So far, Beason has exceeded expectations.

Letting Beason walk would be a terrible mistake for the Giants. Considering his injury history, I can’t see another NFL team offering him more than $5 million per year. This might also deter the Giants from offering this contract, but the Giants haven’t had stability at the MLB position since Antonio Pierce retired in 2010. Even when they won the Super Bowl in 2011, they had to hire Chase Blackburn to start at the position, a man who was formerly considering a career teaching math at a middle school. Needless to say, the Giants were desperate. Would it be smart to plunge themselves back into that cycle of instability?

When Beason arrived, he immediately made a huge impact on a Giants defense that had been struggling mightily. The Giants started the season 0-5 before Beason arrived, surrendering 36, 41, 38, 31, and 36 points in their losses. Although Beason’s first game as a Giant also resulted in a loss, his presence was felt as the team finally allowed less than 30 points in a game. The next week, the Giants defeated the Vikings for their first win of the season and allowed only seven points. For the rest of the season, the Giants defense improved and fought to finish the season at a more respectable 7-9. Without Beason, the Giants defense would not have finished 8th in the NFL in overall defense and their record would have been even worse.

Jon Beason’s leadership and talent should attract the Giants attention and allow them to overlook his injury history. He did stay healthy for his short time with the Giants and at 29 years old, he should be able to play effectively for at least another four years. Interest in a free agent signing is definitely mutual, as Jon Beason even said, “I don’t plan on going anywhere” (ESPN New York, Oct 2013). After losing his starting position in Carolina and fighting through years of injuries, Beason should be ecstatic to lock down this opportunity in New York. The Giants will definitely be excited too.

Although the Giants have many free agents this offseason, including DT Linval Joseph, DE Justin Tuck, and WR Hakeem Nicks, Beason is the most important. Linval Joseph is a phenomenal defensive tackle and the Giants would love to have him back, but because of his prime age and talent, he will likely be offered more money than the Giants could offer. Fortunately, the Giants do have solid DT depth with Cullen Jenkins and Johnathan Hankins returning, along with the likely resigning of Mike Patterson if Joseph leaves, so Beason is still more important. Justin Tuck has been a leader and Super Bowl champion with the Giants, but he turns 31 on March 29th. With Jason Pierre-Paul, Mathias Kiwanuka, and Damontre Moore at defensive end, the Giants should be ready to move on. Finally, Hakeem Nicks is basically gone already. His production has dropped significantly and the Giants should be fine with a WR corps of Rueben Randle, Victor Cruz, and Jerrel Jernigan. At the end of free agency, Jon Beason is the man that the Giants must bring back.

 

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