Getty ImagesAs the Giants prepare to defend their latest Super Bowl win in a league that has become increasingly pass happy, the team is facing a troubling fact.
Only two cornerbacks are under contract for 2012: Prince Amukamura and Corey Webster.
Two key corners will become free agents absent new deals. Terrell Thomas, who missed all of the 2011 after tearing an ACL in training camp, has an expiring contract. Aaron Ross, a first-round pick in 2007, started all but one game this year. His rookie deal is up, too.
Ross says he wants to stay. “Of course, of course,” Ross told Jorge Castillo of the Newark Star-Ledger. “I’ve been here five years so that’s like asking me if I want to go back to [Texas]. I invested four years there and five years here so my heart is here.”
But while Ross wants to stay, it doesn’t mean he’ll be giving his adopted hometown a hometown discount.
“I don’t know. We got to see,” Ross said. “It’s all a business. It’s all a business. I don’t know numbers. I’ll leave that up to my agent.
“I’ve seen that it’s a business from the start. Coming into the league, Sam [Madison], all of those guys told me it’s a business so the front office is going to take care of themselves and we as players have to take care of ourselves. Hopefully we can meet somewhere in the middle to where both of us agree.”
That’ll be hard to do, if another team is willing to pay Ross a premium for the privilege of having a guy who has won two Super Bowl rings flash them in a locker room full of guys with none.
“Any player going to free agency coming off a Super Bowl win, it’s a bonus for them especially if he’s a starter,” Ross said. “Hopefully it’ll come out in my favor.”
It definitely will. But only if Ross ultimately is willing to leave the Giants.
Based on the picture, he apparently would be interested in the Broncos. Along with at least two of his teammates.
Gotta give him credit… he spoke about a contract just the way his agent and GM should want. He didn’t make rediculous demands. He didn’t tip his hand in favor of leaving or staying. He’s not publicly making this out to be a money grab. He’s not leaving cash on the table by talking about a discount. He’s paying a good % of his income to his agent, and he’s letting his agent do his or her job.
Who wouldn’t want to play DB with the Giant’s Defensive Line? I’m sure the Giants will get a few unsolicited calls from the free agent Dback’s agents.
I would bet Thomas will be back. While Ross attacks the run well, he often looks lost in coverage. I’m not so sure the Giants want him back.
McNabb is available to play corner. No playbook to read & understand, so he should do well.
TT will be back. Just like last year, Jerry offered Kiwi and Benedict Arnold one year deals to “rebuild their value”. Kiwi made the smart move. Arnold didn’t. I see they don’t teach logic at USC. Just showboating and How to Make Money as a “Scholar Athlete” 101.
Ross, I dunno. I’ve lambasted him since ’08. He had a very good 2011 season, especially down the stretch. I’d like to have him back. But remember, we also carry Justin Tryon, who can be signed as an UFA, along with Brian Witherspoon. The Prince will be fine after a full training camp. But I doubt we will be spenders in the defensive backfield, especially with only $10M in cap space after some of those deals like Bernard and others are shed.
And I don’t think we’re going to draft a DB higher than the 3rd round.
Brandon Bing is under contract for the Giants.
I know he is not going to be considered a strong option to actually be on the team next season, but at the moment, the Giants actually have three CBs under contract.
We’ll be bringing back most of the 40 young corners that were put on IR to fill out the depth at that position, as many of those guys were stepping up in camp.
Let Ross walk. Sign T2 on a short term deal.
A 3 corner rotation of C-Web, the Prince and T2 is very very good.
So glad to have a guy like Corey Webster locked up, 2 time SB champ who is not very noticable because he is quiet and not flashy, he is truly one of the most underrated players in the NFL. Brady never even looked in his direction this past SB.
No place for Benedict now. Maybe if MM departs but I doubt it.
I still think that 3rd down play in the SB was amazing. Smith looked surprised at the bad angle Merriwhether took and who knows if they get it on 4th down.
Websters fingertip deflection (vs Moss) is one of the all time great plays that is NEVER talked about.
Ah, memories…
They’re tebowing in the background
Mario is gonna get overpaid by SOMEONE, I feel. I hope not, because I’d rather have him.
Jerry did not thwart any talk about Benedict coming back.
from a fans perspective Im going to have to say,
“Take the short money and get another ring” or
“take the big money and good luck in Denver”
and take Jacobs with you
I never say anything good about any NFC East teams cause I dislike them all but cb Corey Webster is one of the most underrated cb’s in the league, I hate facing him.
Tired of players throwing around “its a business” when deciding where they will play. If they want to stay where they are is 5.5 over 6.5 million really that big of a deal? Would love for a player to just once be honest and say “I’m a mercenary and will be signing with the team that offers me the most money”
Uh, it’s February?
There is a draft, free agency, trade deadline, camp rejects, and more. What is this a story for?
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Too bad big Al D isn’t still around, Aaron. He would have gladly payed you triple your market value just so you could to show his roster your ring. *see Gabril Wilson*
As a Giants fan I can say I am in no way worried about this. We managed to win the Bowl with 3 safeties out pretty often. And I think I speak for the whole fanbase when I say I wanna see what a new Prince can do for the Big Blue Kingdom.
You hate ALL NFC East teams cause they can ALL beat your pathetic team. Fear what you can not face.
Prince has the exact body type as Revis. Both look like ex running backs, because they are.
Webster was a horror show until midway into 07. Prince is not THAT shaky but still has a lot to learn. I’m sure he will be be at least very good.
Don’t forget, jpp is also going to get a new contract. Jacobs is gone. Maybe osi too, but I’d like for him to stick around.
Repeat!!!!! They will be fine at corner. Gibril Wilson was awesome.
I’m always in favor of us keeping homegrown talent but if someone is willing to over pay then so long Aaron, you played your part really well. I’m in favor of resigning TT but my only fear is that he might not stay healthy, as far as Prince goes, he has the potential to be a great starting corner. GIANTS, SUPERBOWL CHAMPS IN ’13!
Tired of players throwing around “its a business” when deciding where they will play. If they want to stay where they are is 5.5 over 6.5 million really that big of a deal? Would love for a player to just once be honest and say “I’m a mercenary and will be signing with the team that offers me the most money”
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I agree, but I’d like to see a player say “I’m a ______ for life. We’ll work out a deal. THis is my team and I’ll retire a ______.” Who has done that in recent memory? Strahan is the only one I can think of off hand…
jerry reese will find a way