We assumed that when the Giants came into 2016 Free Agency like a house on fire, that they were on a pace to grab many players. They had locked up 4 players for ~$200M. We saw massive overpaying for Vernon and Jenkins. There was a 1 year deal w/o incentives for JPP. Even Harrison (whom we are very excited about) got paid big money. All of this frenzied activity took place in Day 1. Free Agency was just getting started.
And then silence.
7 days later.
Keenan Robinson for $2.5M.
Crickets.
While some are criticizing the lack of further acquisitions, we are cheering. Why? Because what we explained a week ago, namely that the Giants would not be able to fill all of the holes without putting themselves in Cap Hell in a couple of years, no longer looks likely. Whether or not this is by design is not important anymore. If the Giants come in ~$15M under the cap, this means they will not only have carryover but will also have less acuteness from contracts NOT signed now which do not choke them later. I don’t want cap hell in 2-3 years when Eli has his last stab at a title. And lastly, “only” 3 new high-priced players means more balance and more organic growth. Are you disappointed that the Giants stopped signing more players? We understand the instinct- more ‘feels’ better. In this case it feels like a rebuild year and we are comfortable with the Giants establishing an identity/chemistry. You rarely go from 6-10 two seasons in a row to Super Bowl champions in one year. This isn’t the 1999 Rams. That’s the exception to the rule. Let’s see some chemistry take hold. Let’s see the OL and DL get some familiarity and trust. Let’s find some leaders. After that is done, 2017 can add a few missing pieces and set the Giants up to contend.
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