The New York Giants are desperate for help along the offensive line. Evan Mathis, one of the best offensive guards in the game is still available as a free agent.
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The reason Mathis is still available is that at this point in the offseason money has already been allocated too much to other players for a team to sign him to a long-term deal. Signing Mathis to a long-term deal would be a difficult task, but what if the Giants didn’t have to offer him that troubling long-term contract?
The Giants should consider offering Mathis a one year contract. In this scenario the Giants will essentially rent the services of Mathis to sure up the offensive line this season. It is a good situation for Mathis because he’ll have a better chance to cash in next year in free agency. Having a job is better than being unemployed, especially when you have a career that doesn’t last forever. Not only would Mathis have a job but he’d get two cracks at revenge against Chip Kelly, the Eagles coach who cut him.
This cost effective route of signing Mathis is the only way it could become a reality. If it did become a reality the Giants would be in a much better position. The Giants would go from having little promise up front to having two of the best guards in football, Geoff Schwartz and Mathis.
This would allow the Giants to play Justin Pugh at right tackle instead of Marshall Newhouse, who just isn’t cut out for the job. It would also help out Weston Richburg at the center position, being sandwiched in between to All-Pro players.
This is an option the Giants should at least consider. The offensive line is too important to ignore. The Giants need quality pass protectors and run blocking bullies. Mathis would check off both boxes for the Giants.
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