The New York Giants have more than a couple decisions to make this offseason, but perhaps none are more significant than what to do about quarterback Eli Manning and his substantial cap hit.
Ultimately, that debate will rage until late February or early March when a decision has to be finalized or bonus money paid. So, at least for a brief moment, we’ll put that debate on the back burner.
The Giants have 26 other players who will become free agents at the start of the new league years, and some big names are most certainly mixed in. So with that in mind, here’s a look at five players the team needs to bring back in 2019.
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Some may forget, but it wasn’t all that long ago Landon Collins was in the discussion for Defensive Player of the Year, and many felt as if he was robbed by not winning the award.
Collins hasn’t played up to that level in either of the previous two seasons, but that’s been more a product of injuries and not having a quality free safety alongside of him. So rest assured, if he’s able to hit free agency, the Giants may not be able to get Collins back.
The franchise tag is not the ideal approach for team or player, but Collins has already acknowledged he wouldn’t fight the designation if that’s the direction the Giants choose to go.
“Would I play on it? I mean, I got no choice to play on it. It’s not a big concern of mine,” Collins told reporters on Monday. “I know what I’m capable of. I think we’ll work something out before that. If not, franchise it is. Just got to continue proving myself as my worth.
“My hopes are to be here, honestly. That’s my hopes. Like I said from the beginning, I’ve been drafted here, I want to finish my career here. It’s a hope and it’s a dream of mine, and hopefully make it a reality.”
As far as in-house free agents go, none should have a higher priority than Collins. He’s a must re-sign.
