Giants Running back dilemma

Reports seem to indicate we are inching towards an agreement to end the lockout with each passing day. Part of the purposed CBA agreement is players would be eligible for free agency after only 4 years. If that happens forget trying to signing new players; the Giants, along with every team will have essential players they’ll try to resign or let walk. The big debate for the Giants is the future of Big Blue’s backfield and the potential major shake up that might occur.

Ahmad Bradshaw, a four year veteran, potential free agent and with him hiring super agent Drew Rosenhaus he’s looking for some more zeros onto his paychecks. It appears the Giants would need to offer in the neighborhood of 6 million per season to keep the former 7th round pick out of Marshall. We’ve seen Ahmad’s role expand over the years and seems to have embraced being the starter putting up 1,235 yards, averaging 4.5 per rush in 2010. One area of concern is durability; he’s had multiple surgeries on his feet and ankles, which could be a huge financial risk if he can’t stay on the field.

The one guy who appears to be a candidate for getting cut is Brandon Jacobs. The Giants haven’t gotten much in return from the 4 yr, 25 million dollar contract Brandon signed in 2009. Since his new deal, Brandon Jacobs has had back to back 800 yard seasons playing through various injuries. The Giants need to determine if Jacobs’ contract is worth swallowing anymore, especially with the lack of production, even though he had a decent second half last season.

Jerry Reese and the Giants need to make some hard decisions right after the lockout is lifted with Bradshaw and Jacbos. If the Giants resign Bradshaw in the 6 million range, they’ll have to cut Jacobs as there is no way they can have 10 million committed to the running back position. If the Giants feel Bradshaw is just too expensive or he signs elsewhere, do they still cut Jacobs and go for a guy like Deangelo Williams or Cedric Benson as replacemnent? Maybe. Is there a scenario that Bradshaw and Jacobs are still with Big Blue in 2011? Doesn’t look good right now.

My prediction is the Giants will bite the bullet and sign Bradshaw ideally to a 3 year deal, anything longer could be a gamble. Cut Jacobs, I think he’s worn out his welcome with comments in the media and antics on the field, accruing many personal foul penalties in critical moments. Also, try to sign mid-level veteran that can be a quality backup in the mold of 2008 Derrick Ward. Finally, there’s a better chance I start dating Halle Berry than the Giants even consider recently unretired former Giant, Tiki Barber