Remaking The Giants

The 2016 New York Giants were an 11-5 football team than found themselves in the NFL Playoffs.  As the 2017 offseason rolled around, fans and media expected the team to focus their improvement on the obvious area of need: the offensive line.

That didn't happen.

Fast forward to the 2018 offseason where one of the worst lines in football was a large part of delivering a 3-13 season and a questionable future for quarterback Eli Manning.

Holding a top pick in The NFL Draft, the Giants now look to draft their future signal caller while also handling the delicate situation that exists with Manning.  Last season the previous front office and coaching staff attempted to orchestrate a situation in which Manning would no longer start but would still play as the team played a younger quarterback.  That idea failed miserably and led to the quicker termination of all parties involved.

How the transition from Eli Manning is handled will be the first challenge for new head coach Pat Shurmur.  The former Vikings offensive coordinator must start his Giants career by crafting a plan of action to move from Manning to the future quarterback of the Giants.

When you are a big market football team the media scrutiny reaches a different level.  The Giants organization does not want to deal with the constant questions to Manning about when he expects to lose his starting job to a younger quarterback.  Figuring out an exit strategy that puts Manning in a good place while also setting the stage for the next guy would be ideal.

With needs along the offensive line and a locker room that may need a personality overhaul, the Giants face an offseason rebuild.  How quickly they can compete again will be dependent on the foundation started this offseason.

Offensive Ranking: 21st

Defensive Ranking: 31st

Key Free Agents:  

Justin Pugh - G - Was limited to just eight games in 2017 due to a back injury.  Pugh missed five games in 2016 due to injury as well.  A talented player with questionable health.

DJ Fluker - G - Started six games in 2017 and played in nine after signing a one-year deal last offseason.

Weston Richburg - C - Former 2nd round pick who missed action in 2017 with a concussion.

Keenan Robinson - LB - A solid 2016 season was followed up with an injury wasted 2017 season.

Orleans Darkwa - RB - 755 yards and 5 touchdowns in 15 games in 2017.  Darkwa was one of the few young bright spots for the Giants last season.

Devon Kennard - LB - One of the only Giants linebackers who remained healthy and productive in 2017.  Recorded a career-high four sacks.

Ross Cockrell - CB - Tied for team lead with three interceptions.  Has been a solid, healthy corner over the course of his career. 

Shane Vareen - RB - Receiving back had 44 catches in 2017 but younger backs on roster will make Vareen available for others teams. 

Potential Cuts/Restructures:  

Dominque Rodgers-Cromartie - CB - The 31 year old cornerback was suspended for a game in 2017.  His future will be dependent on whether the new coaching staff believes he's capable of making a position switch at this point in his career.  Cap savings: $6.5M

Brandon Marshall - WR - The soon-to-be 34 year old receiver is due to count $6.1M against the cap in 2018.  Given his age and the situation with the team, his roster spot would have to be at a cheap price to remain on the team.  Cap savings: $5.1M

Eli Manning - QB - The two-time Super Bowl winner is set to have a second straight offseason in which the team drafts another young quarterback to be his eventual replacement.  Manning's play has been lacking over the last four seasons, yet is still set to count more than $22M dollars on the Giant's cap.  The situation is one that is tenuous, as the team will give Manning the opportunity to play elsewhere if he chooses.  Cap savings: $9.8M