A Giant Wednesday, Could the Giants Have Renewed Interest In Giant Albert?

A happy Wednesday to you all!

The question of the day is does Jerry Reese have any interest in taking on big Albert Haynesworth from the Redskins? With rumors that the Redskins proposed including big Al in the deal for Donovan McNabb (and the Iggles politely declined the same), speculation is abound that the Skins are trying to not so subtly move the biggest fish from free agency 2009 as they make the switch to the 3-4 defense.

Reports indicate Haynesworth is not too excited to take on the nose tackle position for Mike Shanahan and big Al and Shanahan are not exactly on friendly terms at the moment. Better yet, the Skins just paid Al a huge sum of cash (to the tune of $21 million) and the remainder of Al’s contract becomes extremely cap friendly (profootballtalk.com is reporting that the rest of big Al’s deal is in the range of 3 years, $16 million, with $9 million guaranteed). Even if we acknowledge that Haynesworth didn’t come close to living up to his big money deal, I would take him for $9 million guaranteed for the next three years. Is Jerry Reese interested?

A short year ago, the Giants tried to lure Haynesworth to the Meadowlands with an $80 million plus contract only to be outbid by Ritchie Rich who guaranteed big Al $42 million with a total contract value in excess of $100 million. I have to think that Jerry will make the call and inquire as to what Mike Shanahan wants to move a guy who is not a good fit for their defensive scheme but more importantly, is not buying into the Shanahan program. If Jerry was willing to add big Al last year, I would assume his interest remains, especially given the affordability of his contract.

It also begs the question, would it make sense to offer up some cash (so Ritchie Rich doesn’t have to swallow the entire $21 million paid out last week) and perhaps Chris Canty, who is a natural 3-4 defensive end, and who also disappointed everyone last year after being unable to stay healthy or produce as expected? For my money, I give up Canty and some coin, bring in big Al, and still add another defensive tackle in Round 3 or 4 in the draft, thereby solidifying the Giants run defense and also adding a pocket pushing presence who commands double teams on every snap (somewhere, Justin Tuck and Osi are smiling at the notion of big Al occupying multiple offensive lineman).

On the draft front, Mike Garafolo of nj.com fame indicates that the Giants have discussed trading up in the draft to add Rolando McClain or C.J. Spiller. We said it multiple times, hard to live with parting with draft picks to add Spiller, considering the needs on the defensive side of the ball, but trading up for McClain is a worth discussing in our opinion. McClain is a true thumper and would be expected to start immediately and make an impact (though I am partial to sitting pat and/or trading down to add picks and grab Sean Lee in Round 2 or Jamar Chaney in Round 3 to fill the middle linebacker void).

Let us hear your thoughts on big Albert and the Giants draft options, Stay Blue!