New York Giants in Win-Now Mode?
By Jon Dove
The New York Giants have made some splashy offseason moves that point to the idea they are in win-now mode.
Nate Solder landed one of the bigger free agent contracts this offseason from the New York Giants. His addition fills the team’s biggest need and suggests GM Dave Gettleman sees his team ready to compete this year.
Solder is 30-years old and coming off whats considered a shaky season. However, the Giants threw him a big-money contract to replace Ereck Flowers at left tackle.
This signing will obviously help extend the career of Eli Manning and offer him the best blindside protection he has had in years. It also points to a possible direction for the Giants in the 2018 NFL Draft where they own the No. 2 overall pick.
There has been speculation that the Giants would use this pick to bring in Manning’s long-term replacement.
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However, that doesn’t make sense if Gettleman and his staff feel the team is ready to compete.
New York could instead use the No. 2 pick on a stud running back like Saquon Barkley. This would add another explosive playmaker to the offense and take some pressure off of Manning and Odell Beckham Jr..
The running back position is a major need on the roster and Barkley would be a huge asset. He’s someone who will not only contribute as a runner but also a pass catcher.
Opposing defenses would have a tough time matching up against a group featuring Barkley, Beckham Jr, Sterling Shepard and tight end Evan Engram. Pat Shurmer and Mike Shula would have plenty of weapons to utilize.
The recent trade between the Indianapolis Colts and New York Jets also shed some possible light on the Giants game plan. Moving down to pick No. 6 overall would’ve likely taken the Giants out of the running for Barkley.
Of course, it is still early in the draft process and things could change at any given moment.