New York Giants: 5 potential replacements for Pugh, Richburg
By Henry Buggy
#2 – Brett Jones
The best solution for Big Blue may be to let Jones permanently replace Richburg at center.
Jones, 26, started 13 games in 2017 and proved himself a viable starting option in his third season with the Giants. The former CFL all-star struggled in run blocking but was Pro Football Focus’ second ranked center in pass protection.
Jones is a restricted free agent this offseason, according to Spotrac. He hopes to be a part of Big Blue’s turnaround under new head coach Pat Shurmur and has said he wants to hold onto the starting role next season, via New York’s team website.
"“I just want to keep being the starter. That’s all I want to do. I want to be able to keep playing. It’s just so much fun, and I’m looking forward to that.”"
If the Giants re-sign Pugh and keep Jones at center and Jerry at right guard, New York’s top priority will be solving the tackle positions. The Giants could also elect to start Pugh at right tackle and move Flowers to left guard. But the G-Men would still have to address their left tackle position either in the draft or free agency.