New York Giants Free Agency: G-Men Should Sign Free Agent Guard Louis Vasquez
By Neal Lynch
A couple weeks into free agency, New York Giants co-owner John Mara said he’d like to see the team “add another offensive lineman somewhere down the line…” Former Denver Broncos and San Diego Chargers guard Louis Vasquez should be that lineman.
The very next day after Mara’s comments, on March 21st, Real Football Talk released their list of top remaining free agents. Sitting there in the 10th slot was former Denver Broncos guard, Louis Vasquez, who was released by the Super Bowl champions on March 8th. RFT wrote the following about Louis:
"“More of a man power blocker than a zone scheme guy, Vasquez can be a force in the run game and would be an upgrade in pass pro for many teams…and he’s still just 29 years old.”"
With the Giants running game towards the bottom half of the league last year, a power blocker would be a huge step in the right direction. Vasquez is huge, standing at 6 feet 4 inches and 330 pounds. The 7-year vet was drafted by the San Diego Chargers in the 3rd round (78th overall) of the 2009 NFL Draft out of Texas Tech, where his accolades include honorable mention on the 2007 All-Big 12 team, Second Team All-Big 12 in 2008, Second Team Rivals.com All-American, and Third Team AP All-American.
In 2009, his first season in the NFL, Louis Vasquez made Sporting News All-Rookie Team. He hasn’t missed a game since 2012 and is only 2 years removed from his stellar 2013 season in which he garnered an approximate value of 20, which was tied for highest in the league, was a Pro Bowler and first-team All-Pro. His AV declined to nine in 2014 and six last season, prompting Denver to unload.
Prior to that outstanding 2013 campaign, Vasquez signed a four year deal worth $23.5 million with $13 million guaranteed in the first two years. Louis visited the Tennessee Titans a couple days after his release on March 10th, but it’s been very quiet since then. It’s possible Louis believes he’s worth another four year deal in the same ballpark as his previous contract, however, the Giants would be wise to entertain the idea of offering Louis two years for $6 – $7 million as a transitional bridge to or insurance for second year man Bobby Hart, who has been receiving a lot of endorsements and praise from the organization.
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Sure, the Giants just signed Dillon Farrell and Ryan Seymour. But, Farrell only played eight games with the San Francisco 49ers (with 0 starts) in 2014 and Seymour suited up with three different teams in 3 seasons, only playing in 12 games, 11 of which at center for the Cleveland Browns in 2014. Those two acquisitions seems like a depth play or practice squad additions. Louis Vasquez would add stability and security to the right side of the Giants offensive line while allowing Bobby Hart to learn and develop.
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