What If Plaxico Burress Didn’t Shoot Himself?
By Neal Lynch
Would the Giants have cut Burress after the 2008 season if he didn’t shoot himself? They JUST signed him to an extension. He didn’t reward them with the kind of effort they’re accustomed to, but is one down year enough to severe ties? Is it feasible the Giants would’ve grown tired of Plaxico’s behavioral issues so quickly?
If Plaxico stayed with the team in 2009, would they have drafted Hakeem Nicks? Probably not. Maybe they go defense and draft Oregon’s Patrick Chung, Ohio State’s James Laurinaitis, or USC’s Rey Maualuga. If they draft safety Chung, it’s possible they pass on signing Cardinals free agent Antrel Rolle in the 2010 offseason.
The Giants ended up going 8-8 in 2009 and would’ve needed to go 11-5 to clinch a playoff berth, so even with Burress, Big Blue most likely watches the postseason from their homes. How would Plaxico handle the emergence of Steve Smith who caught 107 passes for 1,220 yards en route to a Pro Bowl? Most likely, he’d be disgruntled.
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