Many thanks to Mitch for filling us in on the latest…
Report: New York Giants discussed trade for Cleveland Browns’ Braylon Edwards
by Mike Garafolo/The Star-Ledger
Sunday March 22, 2009, 9:28 PM
Tony Dejak/APThe Giants reportedly pursued a trade for Edwards.
There have been plenty of rumblings the Giants had talked with the Browns about a trade for their top wide receiver, Braylon Edwards. Those rumors had revolved around the Giants’ sending defensive end Mathias Kiwanuka to Cleveland. I had heard nothing to substantiate the rumors, so I didn’t mention them here.
But Ken Palmer of The Giant Insider reported today that, while the Giants never dangled Kiwanuka, they did inquire about Edwards.
To read the full story, you need a Scout.com subscription, but I’ve seen the full report and I’ll tell you what Palmer’s reporting:
The Giants offered the Browns the two draft picks they received from the Saints last year in exchange for TE Jeremy Shockey: a second-round pick and a fifth-rounder.
The Browns countered by asking for WR Steve Smith. The Giants said no.
The Giants then offered either of two other WRs: Domenik Hixon or Mario Manningham. The Browns said no.
The talks died down after that last exchange, though they could pick up at draft time.
I wish I could tell you more on this one, but I have nothing as of right now. What I do know is Palmer has been covering the Giants for a long time and has been out in front of plenty of stories.
I don’t doubt the Giants inquired about Edwards. And when Jerry Reese is asked about this report, he’ll probably give us the old, “We investigate everything. You know that.” But the exchange of several offers indicates this was more than just due diligence here. And while Palmer is suggesting the talks could spark again come draft time, I’m thinking Plaxico Burress’ legal situation could be the catalyst. If he goes to jail or is suspended for a while, the Giants will need to move along to the plan they have for Burress’ absence. And like Tom Coughlin said at the scouting combine, “it’d be great to have a player, if it’s not Plaxico, but with Plaxico’s magnitude, on our football team.” That player could be the 6-3, 215-pound Edwards, who surely wowed the Giants with his five catches for 154 yards and a touchdown against them last season – even if he has had a bad case of the dropsies of late.
The only part of the report that does surprise me is the Giants’ offering Manningham. I know the coaching staff is very, very high on him and the front office obviously loved him before the draft. So maybe that’s a sign they’re very interested in Edwards.
Right now, who knows? We’ll have to stay tuned on this one.
***
Speaking of Burress, from what I gather, there could be some news on his legal situation this week, despite the fact his next scheduled court date isn’t until next Tuesday, the 31st. I’m not sure exactly what we’ll hear, as I have precious few details, but I’m expecting to know more at some point. Sorry if that’s a tease, but it’s even a tease to me.
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In addition to the Burress stuff, we might have even more news in a surprisingly busy week. I expect the league to announce the compensatory picks for April’s draft at some point during the owners’ meetings. The Giants should get at least one high pick after losing Girbil Wilson, Reggie Torbor and Kawika Mitchell to free agency last year. This guy tries to predict the picks each year and he says the Giants will get a fourth-round pick and possibly a third.
And we’ll find out the slate of games for opening weekend and Thanksgiving. The Bergen Record is reporting the Giants are expecting five prime-time games. The full schedule likely won’t be announced until next month.
MG
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