For the first time in a while, the New York Giants had a good deal of salary cap room to work with. While some teams spend it like the riches are burning holes in their pockets, Jerry Reese resisted going for the big names (well, as of 9:50 PM EST), but rather looked at the second-tier. This is a look at their crop on day-one of the NFL’s new calender year.
The biggest get of the day is former Vikings, Panthers and Chiefs offensive lineman Geoff Schwartz, who will put pen to paper tomorrow. If there’s offensive line help to be had until the season starts, you can bet the Giants are interested. ESPN has said that Schwartz will most likely be a guard, but he does have experience at tackle. For a team that values versatility along the line, Schwartz fits the Giants MO to the letter. (Terms Undisclosed)
Rashad Jennings joins a running back depth chart that includes the re-signed Peyton Hillis (more on him in a minute), Michael Cox and David Wilson, whose availability is, of course, dependent on his health. The Giants clearly like his skill, but unless he can block, he may not get the chance to be the Giants bellcow back. As of now, it appears the Giants view Jennings as the change-of-pace back that he was in Jacksonville and Oakland, where he backed up Maurice Jones-Drew and Darren McFadden respectively. But if he shows an ability to block, he might shoot to the top. (Terms Undisclosed)
The Giants got themselves a relative unknown and intriguing linebacker early on in O’Brien Schofield, who spent last year with the Super Bowl champion Seahawks. A situational pass-rusher, Schofield can potentially be a major bargain considering the questions they have right now in terms of whether or not Justin Tuck stays, Jason Pierre-Paul’s injuries and where DeMontre Moore is in terms of his development. Schofield starred at Wisconsin, but an ACL injury suffered at the 2010 Senior Bowl halted his ascension, where the Cardinals drafted him to limited results. Jerry Reese put on his scout cap and saw something untapped, and signed him to a cheap deal that could pay off huge if Perry Fewell can find the right way to utilize him. (Two years, $8 million)
And now, some old friends are sticking around:
Chris Snee actually re-signed last week after he took a significant pay-cut. Mark Herzlich (who lost his job to Jon Beason) also signed a couple days ago. Kicker Josh Brown, running back Peyton Hillis, safety Stevie Brown and cornerback Trumaine McBride all re-signed earlier today.
Justin Tuck remains on the market, but most believe that he’ll return to the fold. But you can’t say that it’s a definite, because if the Cowboys can let DeMarcus Ware walk, then no one is immune. But let’s hope it doesn’t come to that.
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