Giants G/T Geoff Schwartz: Steal of NFL free agency?

Now that the terms of newly minted New York Giant Geoff Schwartz’s deal have been confirmed, the only question remaining is whether he is the steal of free agency so far.

I’ll be honest, I was getting a little nervous as I saw some of the ridiculous contracts flying around the NFL yesterday, especially for offensive linemen. Per Over the Cap here is a look at some of the deals other notable offensive lineman have fetched so far:

Branden Albert (Dolphins) – 5 yrs, $47 million ($20 million guaranteed), $9.4 million per year
Jared Veldheer (Cardinals) – 5 yrs, $47m ($10.5m guaranteed), $7m per yr
Eugene Monroe (Ravens) – 5 yrs, $37.5m ($19m guaranteed), $7.5m per yr
Zane Beadles (Jaguars) – 5 yrs, $30m ($12.45m guaranteed), $6m per yr
Shawn Lauvao (Redskins)- 4 yrs, $17m ($4.25m guaranteed), $5m per yr
Rodger Saffold (Raiders) – 5 yrs, $42.5m ($21m guaranteed), $8.5m per yr

Looking at that list, I really don’t believe there is a player I would rather have at his salary than Geoff Schwartz. While I think the Redskins actually got a fairly good deal for Shawn Lauvao, he doesn’t have the versatility to play multiple positions along the line as Schwartz does. Even a player such as Zane Beadles, who is the same age as Schwartz, doesn’t offer the same versatility, but ended up costing the Jacksonville Jaguars double the guaranteed money that Schwartz received from the Giants.

Sep 29, 2013; Kansas City, MO, USA; New York Giants outside linebacker Spencer Paysinger (52) recovers a fumble in front of Kansas City Chiefs guard Geoff Schwartz (74) and tackle Branden Albert (76) in the first half at Arrowhead Stadium. Kansas City won the game 31-7. Mandatory Credit: John Rieger-USA TODAY Sports

Speaking of versatility, and why I also included some of the deals for the big name tackles on my list, it is already being rumored that Schwartz could see time at either left tackle or right tackle. Personally, I would rather see the Giants keep him at guard, but it is always good to know that they have that option if Will Beatty has another disappointing year or is injured.

Taking the comparison of Beadles and Schwartz a step further was Pete Damilatis of Pro Football Focus:

Although Schwartz doesn’t get nearly the media hype as a player such as Beadles, he has been a much more consistent player throughout his career.

To me, Schwartz has clearly been the steal of the offensive line class, and could end up being the steal of the entire NFL free agency. Luckily, it doesn’t seem like he minds and is just as excited to be joining the Giants as I am for them signing him: