There is no need for a flashing neon sign to call attention to the Giants as they step up to the line for Friday’s start of the NFL’s free agency signing period. It’s no secret the Giants, unlike past years, will be open for business.
“I think the word’s gotten out that we will be a player,” Giants GM Ernie Accorsi said. “Word’s gotten out we’re going to be a factor.”
The Giants were no factor as recently as a year ago, when they were the only team in the NFL that did not sign one outside free agent. The salary-cap woes are resigned to the past; at present, the latest figures have the Giants in good shape, $7.34 million under the projected 2003 cap of $74.8 million.
For the first time since Accorsi took over as GM in 1998, the Giants did not need to lop players off their roster in order to get under the cap, meaning there is no need to make an immediate decision on cornerback Jason Sehorn or defensive end Kenny Holmes, two pricey veterans in danger of losing their roster spots. The Giants are negotiating to bring back their own unrestricted free agents, with left tackle Luke Petitgout the glaring priority.
Accorsi is adamant about not overpaying to keep good-but-not-great players, intent on avoiding the mistakes that led to the salary-cap turmoil that finally has been resolved. Other than Petitgout, the Giants have some difficult decisions to make regarding the worth of several starters, who, barring a deal, will become unrestricted free agents on Friday.
Receiver Ike Hilliard, right tackle Mike Rosenthal and tight end Dan Campbell are likely to hit the open market. All have pluses and minuses attached to their return or exit. Two other free agent starters, right guard Jason Whittle and free safety Omar Stoutmire, expect to be re-signed this week.
“We’d love to keep all those guys,” Accorsi said, “but we want ’em in varying degrees.”
The Giants smartly opted not to stick the franchise tag on Petitgout, which would have ensured him a one-year contract worth $5.7 million. Although he is durable (he’s started every game the past two years) and young (26), Petitgout is not viewed by the Giants as a star left tackle. Still, he is likely to command a mega-deal, averaging $5 million a year with a signing bonus of $8-10 million.
Hilliard is coming off an injury-plagued season after tearing his right labrum and pectoral muscle and is a medical risk. Any contact probably will have to be creative, with playing-time incentives added in. Hilliard has been supplanted in the offense by Amani Toomer and Jeremy Shockey and, factoring in Tiki Barber, can be viewed as no more than a fourth option. But if he is available, look for at least five teams to make a play for Hilliard, including the Redskins, Cowboys, Dolphins, Panthers and Falcons.
Rosenthal last season started every game at right tackle, but the Giants have no inclination to overpay to retain his services. Campbell is an excellent blocker and emerging leader, plus Shockey admires him. But Campbell would like an expanded, pass-catching role he cannot have with the Giants. If another team is willing to pay Campbell starter’s money, he’ll be gone.
The Giants want to upgrade their defense. They might opt to use the NFL Draft on April 26-27 to replenish their aging and depleted line, but defensive ends Hugh Douglas (Eagles) and Vonnie Holliday (Packers) will be available. One interesting option at linebacker is Seattle’s Anthony Simmons. There’s also a need for a veteran punter.
For once, there’s money to spend. The Giants plan on contacting many, many players.
“I’m looking forward to it,” Accorsi said.