My Free Agent Wishlist

My Wishlist isn't very long really. The Giants don't have many pressing needs at the moment. And most areas that aren't outstanding are manned by young guys with plenty of room to improve between now and September. Reese seems to be following the same trend that he did last year and it worked out well. He inquires about just about everyone on the market to explore all his options and then makes small signings to supplement his draft picks.

Anyway, on to the list...

Wide Reciever: Amani Toomer seems like he will be back so this position isn't a desperate need. But there are a few guys out there that should be too expensive and could provide a boost to our WR core. Keep in mind I like Steve Smith in the slot. I think he could play as our #2 very well but his route running and ability to create space where there is none is awesome in the slot.

Bryant Johnson: He has been overshadowed by Larry Fitzgerald and Anquan Boldin but he has the ability to emerge as our #2 WR for years to come. Not the greatest speed but still has to be respected deep.

D.J. Hackett: I think if we landed Hackett, Smith would move to the #2 spot when Toomer retires. Hackett can get open and has great hands. Again, not elite, but a cheap option to keep our WR core energized.

Jabar Gaffney: An underachieving 1st round pick in Houston to a great roleplayer in New England. Could play the same role in NY and could push to win the #2 when Toomer retires.

Outside Linebacker: The Giants lost starter Kawika Mitchell and backup Reggie Torbor to free agency. Matthias Kiwanuka was rumored to be switching back to his natural position of DE, but that might not happen now that Mitchell has left. Former 3rd round pick Gerris Wilkinson had a great game against New England in the final regualr season game and has shown some promise. So, potentially our starters at LB are already on the team. However there are a few guys that would look great in Blue for the right price.

Michael Boley: Emerged as a great LB last year with great blitzing ability. However, he's a restricted free agent with a 1st round tender. The chances of the Giants getting him this year are VERY slim. But his pass rush plus man coverage skills are PERFECT for our defense. Someone to look for next year if Reese doesn't want to give the 1st round pick.

Landon Johnson: This guy is a faster version of Kawika Mitchell in the sense that he is a tackling machine. He also does well in coverage which would help considering we have to play LJ Smith, Chris Cooley and Jason Witten each twice a year. He was my top free agent (because Boley is restricted) before we lost Gibril.

Safety: I discussed the safety position in the previous article, but I'll give you the quick and dirty. I don't like James Butler as anything more than a backup and I like Michael Johnson but he's extremely inexperienced. I'd like to add two safeties to the roster this year. One free agent and one in the draft.

Eugene Wilson: Wilson has had injury trouble and just a general dropoff in production since his first few seasons. However, if Reese can sign him to a reasonable contract that is either a 1 year trial or an incentive based contract, then he is my most coveted free agent. Wilson can play safety or corner which makes him a multi-purpose signing. It also means he has the ability to run with WRs which our safeties have lacked. If we can get Wilson to somehow play up to his original level, he would provide a phenomal boost to our weakest position.

Marlon McCree: McCree is past his prime but would be serviceable for another year or two. Plus he would add leadership to a young group of safeties and would most likely improve the play of Michael Johnson. I wouldn't sign McCree to anything longer than two years and wouldn't give him much more than the veteran minimum, which would be $730,000 for an 8 year vet.

Other Positions: Reese will no doubt sign some depth guys at various positions. He will most likely add some guy to rate in along the defensive line. He has already contacted N.D. Kalu. He will probably add another RB like Mewelde Moore. He has bid on several backup QBs but missed out and has been in contact with Trent Green. The only two QBs left on the market besides green are Daunte Culpepper and Byron Leftwich. I, personally think Anthony Wright is a better option than any of those three. There could also be a minor offensive lineman, but none have been contacted thus far. And a trade for CB DeAngelo Hall still isn't out of the question, just very unlikely.

NOTE: Defensive tackle and former first round pick, William Joseph, had the final two years of his contract voided and is now an unrestricted free agent. He never showed much of anything and after being a waste of a 1st round pick, I'm glad to see him go.

Be sure to read my article on Gibril Wilson and the safety situation below!