New York Giants: The 6 Biggest Winners from Free Agency Spending Spree
By Mike Luca
6. Tom Obarski, K
As the roster stands today, the Giants will transition from a nearly no-miss Pro Bowler to a second-year kicker with zero notoriety or NFL experience.
That notion should hardly stick. Perhaps punter and former exclusive-rights free agent Brad Wing will just do everything? Flaunt LSU banners on a crossing pattern with Odell Beckham Jr. while he’s at it.
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With the First Pick
Naturally, there’s still strong intent to re-sign Josh Brown after his 93.8 field-goal conversion rate from 2015. Many anticipated the transaction to be quick and painless even after the franchise-tag period expired, and head coach Ben McAdoo continued to rave about Brown in his latest press conference.
Clearly his 36 years of age and New York’s prioritization of remaining free agency money are taking the thrust out of Brown’s second wind.
What’s left – whether or not New York explores cheaper options – is Obarski slated as the starting (and only) Big Blue kicker. Originally undrafted but signed by the Cincinnati Bengals last May to compete with Mike Nugent, he later tried out with the Giants back in October. According to Jordan Raanan of NJ Advance Media, Obarski “must’ve impressed” if he’s still there.
Watching the success of former Giants backup kickers Brandon McManus (Denver Broncos) and Chris Boswell (Pittsburgh Steelers) shows the Giants can clearly benefit from allowing newbie kickers to play out. More likely, Obarski should soak up his fifteen minutes.
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