New York Giants: Brian Hartline Potential FA Signing
The Miami Dolphins release of wide receiver Brian Hartline came as a little bit of a surprise to everyone earlier this week. Hartline is a six year veteran who has twice gone over 1,000 yards receiving and has twelve touchdowns over that span. Hartline was released when he was due to make $5.9 million in 2015 from the Dolphins.
Hartline had a down year in 2014 with only 474 yards receiving and two touchdowns on 39 catches. His release seems to be a knee jerk reaction from the Dolphins after one down year where his didn’t see many opportunities from quarterback, Ryan Tannehill. The Dolphins as a whole were mediocre on offense in 2014, but Hartline’s overall numbers do not reflect the type of player he is.
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Hartline is only 28 years old and has the hands to make tough catches in any situation. He still has good speed and would be a great security blanket option for any team. Giants general manager Jerry Reese loves his wide receivers and Hartline would certainly be worth looking into at the right price.
Hartline would also fit well in the Giants’ West Coast offense because of his hands and route running ability. He could be the safety net that every quarterback needs and would be a great insurance policy for Big Blue in case Victor Cruz isn’t ready or takes a little while to get going due to his major knee injury last season.
Nov 13, 2014; Miami Gardens, FL, USA; Miami Dolphins wide receiver Brian Hartline (82) eludes Buffalo Bills defensive end
Jerry Hughes(55) during the second half at Sun Life Stadium. The Dolphins won 22-9. Mandatory Credit: Steve Mitchell-USA TODAY Sports
Many will be worried about his down year last year, but a lot of that fell on Tannehill not throwing the ball his way and the overall mediocrity of the Dolphins offense. In a more stable offense with a better quarterback in Eli Manning, Hartline would thrive with the increased opportunities he would get from Manning.
Overall, Hartline is a tough, talented receiver with a lot left in the tank and can still produce at a high level in the right scenario and the Giants provide that said scenario for Hartline. He would be worth looking into for Reese and the Giants at the right price.