Giants Off-Season Profile: The Offensive Line
How do you fix it? Potentially in free agency… but does anybody anyone really anticipate GM Jerry Reese will pursue a Brandon Albert type of player? Normally the Giants don’t shell out cash like that, especially to free agents. Not only that, but with Jordan Gross in Carolina retiring, the market gets a little bit smaller and little more competitive. There are approximately 25 players of importance that are unrestricted free agent offensive linemen. Let me analyze the market, detailing who Giants fans should and shouldn’t expect to sign.
Looking to sign
Brian De La Puente (C) – Two years ago De La Puente graded out as the second best C in the NFL. It’s not that the Saints wouldn’t want him back, but they have 14 million dollars invested in their two guards and have a possibly capable backup at C in Tom Lelito. De La Puente should be a high market C only behind Alex Mack, but we’ll get to him later.
Jon Asamoah (G) – He quietly put up a very solid career in Kansas City, but his days as a Chief are numbered. There are rumors he could be heading to the Falcons due to Scott Pioli, the man who drafted him, now works in Atlanta. Regardless, Jerry Reese should do his homework on Asamoah. The 6’4” guard plays with a mean streak and will be an integral part of whatever team signs him this offseason.
Anthony Collins (T) – Collins was amazing in pass protection last season for the Bengals. Something the Giants struggled with all season. The 6 year veteran is ranked 5th on Rotoworld’s top free agent OT list.
Don’t Hold your Breath
Brandon Albert (T) – Albert is considered a top 5 free agent lineman. The 6’’5” 316lbs monster should receive a monster sized contract too, and that’s where the Giants walk away. The Giants will not be spending top dollar on a free agent offensive tackle, even though it is certainly a position of weakness, but when Albert has been involved in franchise tag talks, that should be the sign Giants fan needs to start looking elsewhere.
Zane Beadles (G) – Beadles was a big part of Peyton Manning’s success. It would seem fitting that he could help the other Manning (Eli) over the course of the next 5 years. He will not have the asking price of a player like Brandon Albert. The current thought is a 5 year deal for about 25 Million dollars. But it would be very surprising if GM John Elway did not do his best to resign Beadles. He grades out as the 6th best guard available this offseason.
Alex Mack (C) – Mack should be the top priority for the Browns this off season. He has been a stud for the early part of his NFL career, and with a new staff of coaches, consistency should be a premium in Cleveland. That’s where Mack comes in. Mack has never missed a start in his 5 years and if the Browns have plans of drafting a young QB, a highly touted C would be a great building block for that new QB. He should become the highest paid C in the NFL with his new contract.