Oct 19, 2014; Arlington, TX, USA; Dallas Cowboys wide receiver Dez Bryant (88) attempts to avoid the tackle of New York Giants cornerback Prince Amukamara (20) in the third quarter at AT&T Stadium. Dallas beat New York 31-21. Mandatory Credit: Tim Heitman-USA TODAY Sports
Who Should the Giants give a contract extension to first?
There are 4 players I believe the Giants should look into extending.
The first of which is cornerback Prince Amukamara. The Giants have fellow corner Dominique Rodgers Cromartie locked up for the next 4 seasons. In an NFL that is increasingly pass happy cornerbacks are more valuable then ever. Last season Amukamara doubled his career interception totals and looked like he really turned a corner in terms of tackling. He played very well until a season ending injury cut his season short in week 8.
Second is receiver Rueben Randle. Randle really picked up his play towards the end of the season last year and he has improved his reception and yard total each of his 3 years in the league. He is still very young at 24 years old. If Victor Cruz cannot return to form it will be imperative for the Giants to have a receiver opposite Odell Beckham Jr. Randle, despite his inconsistencies, has a very high ceiling. If he hits the market he will surely be priced out of the Giants range. It would be smart to lock in another receiver (without health concerns; ie Cruz) moving forward.
Defensive end Robert Ayers is a very good pass rusher who I think is a valuable piece to what can be a very strong revolving defensive line for the Giants. Before going down last year he was by far the Giants’ best and most productive D-lineman. It would not take a ton of money to lock him in due to his relatively low number of starts over his career (28 starts over 6 seasons) and the fact he is coming off a season shortened by injury. He has top end speed for a defensive lineman and is a very strong tackler who is fundamentally sound.
The final option I would consider extending is tight end Larry Donnell. Donnell had a breakout season in 2014 with 63 catches for 623 and 6 touchdowns. Donnell is a true red zone threat as he uses his size (6’5”) to create mismatches. With Victor Cruz returning to join Odell Beckham and Rueben Randle, Donnell should be a macthup nightmare all season. He is bigger then most corners and safeties and faster then most linebackers. His production could really jump this season. If it does he will get a very large contract offer from another team. If they cant extend him before seasons end its almost a guarantee he plays elsewhere in 2016.
Which one of these 4 players would you extend first?
Next: What to Expect from Rueben Randle