Credit: Joe Camporeale-USA TODAY Sports
The Giants signed 28-year old OG John Jerry to a one-year $730,000 contract in free agency, with an additional $10,000 available in weight incentives. While that deal reeks of uneasiness about the player — and rightfully so — the organization believes Jerry has the talent to grab a less than sturdy starting left guard spot.
So where exactly has he been hiding? Truth be told, Jerry has been the International Man of Mystery during the offseason program. Recovering from a minor knee procedure performed in May, Jerry has not been a participant in OTA’s or minicamp for Big Blue. Rarely has a word been uttered about his status, until now:
A source with “knowledge of the situation” has informed NJ.com that Jerry “should be ready for the start of training camp.”
Hallelujah. Jerry started all 16 games for Miami a year ago, posting a top-8 Pro Football Focus pass rating of 7.0 (among guards) and finished 12th in overall Pass Blocking Efficiency. He struggled mightily in run blocking (-8.0), however, as 35 direct runs over RG resulted in only 93 yards from scrimmage (2.7 YPC).
Credit: NFL Game Rewind (2013, Week 8)
Offensive line coach Pat Flaherty was vague in describing his vision for Jerry. It’s hard to blame him with the question marks and injury uncertainties surrounding his trench unit:
"“Well, you know, we signed John in the offseason and I say that we signed him and he signed with us for the opportunity to be a starter for the New York Giants. So where do I see him? I see him plugging right in and seeing how quickly he can make up the time he lost in the last couple weeks.”"
Also potentially factoring into the 2014 equation will be Jerry’s 106 mentions in the Jonathan Martin incident report conducted by the NFL. He was expected to undergo mandated “medical testing” prior to any final decision regarding possible suspension or fine. The league has not issued an update on Jerry’s status, nor mentioned if the testing has been completed. Helplessly hoping…