Tuesday, January 22, 2013
The Giants' safety dance
By Tim Kavanagh
Though the 2012 season ultimately ended in disappointing fashion for the New York Giants, they did have some pleasant surprises along the way, including the play of journeyman Sean Locklear filling in at RT, and Stevie Brown's work on the back end of the defense. In fact, Brown's emergence may drive some of their decision-making at the safety position this offseason.
Ed Valentine of Giants blog Big Blue View analyzed the Giants' safeties for a post this week, and opined that it's not a definite that former first-round pick Kenny Phillips will be back with the team this fall:
"The biggest, and most obvious question, regards the future of Phillips. The 2008 first-round pick is an unrestricted free agent and, while he is an excellent player, it would not be a stunning decision if the Giants allow Phillips to leave. They are over the cap, have little reason to offer him an expensive long-term deal considering his knee issues and the emergence of Brown and Hill, and it seems likely there will be a handful of NFL teams willing to outspend the Giants for Phillips."
Cap issues can (and will) be sorted out, but the health issue will affect the thought of providing Phillips with a multi-year deal. Is the franchise tag a possibility? Phillips may be the best candidate on the roster for the designation, though cases could be made for LT Will Beatty and TE Martellus Bennett as well.
