Last Updated: August 13, 2011
2011 FREE AGENT LOSSES
LB GERRIS WILKINSON (to the Jacksonville Jaguars): Gerris Wilkinson has been an injury-plagued disappointment ever since being drafted in the 3rd round of the 2006 NFL Draft by the Giants. In five seasons, he has only started seven games and none in the last two seasons. He was a complete non-factor on defense in 2010. He missed four games with a broken hand. Issues with with his knees (2007 and 2008) and wrist (2009) have also caused him to miss time. Wilkinson is a good athlete who runs well. But it is pretty telling that he can’t break into the starting lineup on an average-at-best unit in five seasons under four different defensive coordinators.
WR STEVE SMITH (to the Philadelphia Eagles): Smith was placed on Injured Reserve in December 2010 with an injury to his knee (articular cartilage) that required microfracture surgery. Smith earlier partially tore his pectoral muscle, an injury that caused him to miss four games. Smith finished 2010 with 48 catches for 529 yards (11.0 yards per catch) and three touchdowns in nine games. In 2009, Smith became a full-time starter and he responded with a superb season, finishing with 107 receptions (25 more than the franchise’s previous single-season record), 1,220 receiving yards (second-highest total in team history), and eight touchdowns (after only having on with his first two seasons with the Giants). Smith was voted first-alternate to the Pro Bowl and became the first Giants’ wide receiver in 41 years to go to the Pro Bowl when another player dropped out of the game due to injury. Smith was drafted by the Giants in the 2nd round of the 2007 NFL Draft. Smith missed the bulk of the 2007 season with a fractured scapula and a hamstring pull. Although he only played in five regular-season games, catching eight passes, Smith was a major contributor in the playoffs with 14 pass receptions. He led the Giants in receptions in 2008 with 57 as a third receiver. Smith has average size and speed. However, Smith is a quick and smooth athlete who knows how to change speeds and set up defenders. He reads defenses well, runs good routes, and has a feel for getting open. Smith will go over the middle, adjusts well to the football, and has good hands. He is a clutch player who is confident and dependable. Smith faces a lengthy rehabilitation process this offseason due to the knee surgery and it remains questionable how effective he will be in 2011 because of the injury.
S MICHAEL JOHNSON (to the Detroit Lions): Johnson was placed on Injured Reserve in late September 2010 with a herniated disc in his back. After becoming a full-time starter in 2008 and displaying some promise, Johnson regressed horribly in 2009, often appearing to be a liability in pass coverage and in run defense. In 2010, Johnson was also exposed in the Week 2 game against the Colts when Kenny Phillips left the game with an injury. Johnson was originally drafted in the 7th round of the 2007 NFL Draft by the Giants. Johnson combines nice size and athletic ability. However, he does not appear to be overly instinctive and does not make many plays on the football. Johnson appears particularly susceptible to play-action. In 2009, he did not hit or tackle very well.
WR DEREK HAGAN (to the Oakland Raiders): The Giants added Derek Hagan to the roster in November 2010 after injuries hit the wide receiving corps hard. It was Hagan’s second stint with the Giants as the team originally signed him in December 2008 after the Miami Dolphins waived him. The Dolphins drafted Hagan in the 3rd round of the 2006 NFL Draft. In 36 games with Miami, Hagan caught 53 passes for 645 yards and three touchdowns. In 16 games with the Giants in 2009, Hagan caught 8 passes for 101 yards and 1 touchdown. The Giants waived him in the last round of cuts in early September 2010. After the Giants re-signed him in November, Hagan played in the last seven games of the season, starting four, and finished the year with 24 receptions for 223 yards (9.3 yards per catch) and one touchdown. Hagan has good size and athleticism. He runs good routes and adjusts well for the football. However, he is not overly fast or quick. Hagan is a decent special teams player.
TE KEVIN BOSS (to the Oakland Raiders): Boss remains one of the league’s better all-around tight ends despite dealing with an assortment of injuries (concussion, back, hip) in 2010. The hip injury required offseason surgery in January 2011. In all, Boss started 13 of 15 games, finishing with 35 catches for 531 yards (15.2 yards per reception) and five touchdowns. In 2009, Boss had career highs in catches (42) and yardage (567). In 2008, he was named a first-alternate to the Pro Bowl. Boss was drafted by the Giants in the 5th round of the 2007 NFL Draft out Western Oregon University (Division-II). Boss is a tall target who has added muscle and bulk. While he remains a better receiver than blocker, Boss has steadily improved his blocking. As a receiver, Boss adjusts well to the football and has good hands. He has decent speed and can run after the catch. Boss will probably never be a top blocker, but he works hard at it and has improved. He is a tough and team-oriented player.
DT BARRY COFIELD (to the Washington Redskins): Cofield rebounded with a strong season in 2010 after a disappointing 2009 season when he was coming off of offseason microfracture surgery. Cofield started 16 games and finished with 54 tackles, 4 sacks, 4 pass defenses, 1 forced fumble, and 1 fumble recovery. He did this despite playing with a shoulder injury that bothered him all year and required surgery. Cofield was originally drafted in 4th round of the 2006 NFL Draft by the Giants. Cofield is an average-sized defensive tackle, but he is strong, consistent, and occasionally flashes the ability to penetrate and make plays behind the scrimmage. While Cofield is not overly stout at the point-of-attack, he is a better-than-average run defender who fights hard and hustles. While Cofield has only had 10.5 sacks in five seasons, he did improve in that area in 2010. Cofield is smart and team-oriented.
2010 FREE AGENT LOSSES
LB DANNY CLARK (to the Houston Texans): Clark has been the team’s strongside linebacker for the past two seasons. He played in all 32 regular-season games in 2008-09, starting 26 of them. He finished 2009 with 53 tackles, 2 sacks, and 2 pass defenses. Clark was originally drafted in the 7th round of the 2000 NFL Draft by the Jacksonville Jaguars. Clark has played for the Jaguars (2000-2003), Raiders (2004-2005), Saints (2006), and Texans (2007). He was signed by the Giants in March 2008. Clark is the very definition of a journeyman who does not make many plays. His overall lack of speed and quickness shows up in coverage and blitzing. And his run defense is ordinary.
S C.C. BROWN (to the Detroit Lions): C.C. Brown was signed by the Giants as an unrestricted free agent from the Houston Texans in 2009 to provide veteran depth. When Kenny Phillips was lost for the season, Brown was thrust into the starting lineup and proved to be a disaster and was eventually benched. Brown played in all 16 games, starting seven. He finished the season with 69 tackles, 3 pass defenses, and 3 forced fumbles. Brown was originally drafted in the 6th round of the 2005 NFL Draft by the Texans. In his first three seasons with the Texans, Brown started 44-of-48 regular season games. Brown missed all but three games in 2008 with a broken right forearm. In the four seasons he played with the Texans, Brown accrued 254 tackles, 1 sack, 4 forced fumbles, 4 fumble recoveries, 14 pass defenses, and 3 interceptions. Brown has average size and athleticism. Brown is a liability in pass defense where he is prone to physical and mental mistakes. He is an above-average run defender who will hit and tackle.
TE DARCY JOHNSON (to the St. Louis Rams): Johnson entered the 2009 season as the team’s second tight end but did not have the type of season hoped for him. In 13 games, despite quite a bit of playing time, Johnson only caught five passes for 32 yards and no touchdowns. And as the second tight end in two tight end sets, he was not terribly effective as a blocker. Johnson played in 16 games in 2008, starting two, and finished with four catches for 46 yards and two touchdowns. Johnson missed the 2007 season with an ACL tear. Johnson was originally signed as an undrafted rookie free agent by the Giants out of Central Florida after the 2006 NFL Draft and spent most of that season on the Practice Squad. Johnson has a nice combination of size and athleticism.
CB KEVIN DOCKERY (to the St. Louis Rams): Kevin Dockery had a disappointing season and was surpassed by Bruce Johnson on the depth chart. Dockery played in 11 games, starting three, and finished the season with 25 tackles, 1 pass defense, and 1 forced fumble. Dockery was originally signed by the Giants as an undrafted rookie free agent after the 2006 NFL Draft. He surprisingly made the team and contributed right away, playing in 14 games as a rookie. In his four years with the Giants, Dockery has played in 51 games with 10 starts. Dockery lacks height, but he has good speed and quickness. He is an aggressive player who usually is solid in coverage. Dockery has been somewhat injury prone.
DT FRED ROBBINS (to the St. Louis Rams): Coming off of serious offseason knee surgery, Robbins was a shadow of himself in 2009. Robbins looked out-of-shape and his quickness was gone. Robbins was eventually benched for Chris Canty and finished the season with 25 tackles, 2 sacks, and 5 pass defenses. For the three seasons prior to 2009, Robbins was the Giants’ best defensive tackle, averaging 5.5 sacks per season, and occasionally proving to be a disruptive player in the middle of the defense against the run. Robbins was originally drafted in the 2nd round of the 2000 NFL Draft by the Vikings. The Giants signed him as free agent in March 2004. In his prime, Robbins had a nice combination of size, strength, and athleticism. He was a solid run defender and an above average pass rusher for a defensive tackle. Robbins turns 33 this year and is likely nearing the end of his solid career.
QB DAVID CARR (to the San Francisco 49ers): Carr has served as the Giants’ primary back-up for the past two seasons. He was originally signed by the Giants as a free in agent in 2008 and re-signed the following year. Carr has played well in limited action. In 2009, in mop-up duty in six games, Carr completed 21-of-33 passes for 225 yards, 1 touchdown, and 0 interceptions. Carr was originally drafted as the very first pick in the 2002 NFL Draft by the Houston Texans. The Texans waived Carr in March 2007. He was then signed by the Carolina Panthers, but the Panthers released him in February 2008. In eight seasons, he has started 79 games with 65 touchdowns and 70 interceptions, completing almost 60 percent of his passes. Carr has all of the tools (size, athletic, strong arm), but he was a major disappointment in Houston and Carolina. His confidence and performance have improved sitting behind Eli Manning. One negative that has not gone away with Carr is that he still appears indecisive at times and thus continues to hold onto the ball too long.
2009 FREE AGENT LOSSES
WR AMANI TOOMER (to the Kansas City Chiefs): Giants’ all-time leading receiver, who completed his 13th season with the Giants in 2008. Not counting the 2006 season where he missed eight games, Toomer had his worst season since 1998. In 16 games in 2008, Toomer only managed 48 receptions for 580 yards and 4 touchdowns. Toomer is a big receiver with good hands. He is particularly adept at catching sideline passes while keeping his feet in bounds. He is very experienced and an excellent route runner. Quarterbacks trust him. However, never a consistent deep threat, Toomer now rarely pressures defenses deep and lacks the quickness to create consistent separation on shorter routes.
OC/OG GREY RUEGAMER (to the Seattle Seahawks): Grey Ruegamer is a versatile lineman who has played center, guard, and even some tight end for the Giants. He was originally drafted by the Dolphins in the 3rd round of the 1999 NFL Draft. Ruegamer signed with the Patriots in 2000 and started three games in three years with New England. In 2003, he signed with the Packers, starting 11 games in 2004 and two games in 2005. Ruegamer signed with the Giants in 2006, starting at left guard in one game. In 2007, Ruegamer filled in at center for the injured Shaun O’Hara in the regular season finale and started the playoff game against the Buccaneers. Ruegamer is a solid, dependable back-up-type who won’t embarrass you when called upon to start. He is smart and aggressive. Ruegamer is a solid technician – he is more of a position blocker than mauler. Ruegamer lacks quickness and range and thus can struggle when called upon to pull or block at the second level.
DE RENALDO WYNN (to the Washington Redskins): Wynn served as a primary back-up in 2008, playing in all 16 games and finishing the season with 25 tackles and 2 sacks. While he served as a steady, veteran presence, he really did not provide much of an impact coming off of the bench. The Giants signed Wynn in June 2008. Wynn was originally drafted by the Jacksonville Jaguars in the 1st round of the 1997 NFL Draft. Wynn has played for the Jaguars (1997-2001), Redskins (2002-2006), and Saints (2007). Nearing the end of his career, Wynn is a disciplined, experienced technician. Wynn is a better run defender than pass rusher, but he is not as tough and physical against the run as he used to be due to his declining skills. In 12 NFL seasons, he has 27 career sacks.
S CRAIG DAHL (to the St. Louis Rams): Dahl has had an unlucky go of it since signing with the Giants as an undrafted rookie free agent after the 2007 NFL Draft. He has torn the ACL in both of his knees, clouding his NFL future. In 2007, seeing action in nine games, Dahl played surprisingly well in two starts before tearing his knee in the regular-season finale and being placed on Injured Reserve. He tore his other knee in a 2008 preseason game and spent the season on Injured Reserve. Before his injuries, Dahl combined decent size and athleticism. He is a better run than pass defender. Dahl is a good hitter and tackler. Smart.
S JAMES BUTLER (to the St. Louis Rams): Butler has served as the Giants’ starting strong safety for the past two seasons. Butler had his best season in 2008, starting 14 games and finishing with 68 tackles, 7 pass defenses, and 3 interceptions. He missed one game with a knee injury. Butler was originally signed by the Giants as an undrafted rookie free agent after the 2005 NFL Draft. He started 12 games in 2007, missing three regular season games with a hamstring injury that hampered him in the playoffs as well. Butler has ideal size. He is a decent athlete but is not overly fast or quick. Butler has decent range and generally does a nice job in pass coverage, but he needs to make more plays on the ball. Not a big hitter, Butler did improve his run defense and tackling in 2008. Butler makes the defensive backfield calls and does a good job of putting his teammates in proper position.
HB DERRICK WARD (to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers): Ward had a breakout season in 2008. Despite serving as Brandon Jacobs’ primary back-up, Ward saw extensive action all season and even started three games. He finished the regular season with 1,025 yards on 182 carries for an outstanding 5.6 yards per carry average. He was also the Giants’ most dangerous receiver out of the backfield with 41 receptions for 384 yards. Ward was originally drafted in the 7th round of the 2004 NFL Draft by the New York Jets. The Giants signed him off the Jets’ Practice Squad during the 2004 season. Ward saw limited action in 2005 with the Giants in 14 games. Ward missed most of 2006 with a fractured foot. In 2007, Ward started five games and rushed for 602 yards before a fractured fibula ended his season. Ward has a nice combination of size and athleticism. He is not an overly powerful runner, but has good vision, instincts and cuts back well. Ward catches the ball well out of the backfield and has played well on special teams in the past.
2008 FREE AGENT LOSSES
DT WILLIAM JOSEPH (to the Oakland Raiders): The Giants voided the final two years of Joseph’s contract in late April 2008, thus making him an unrestricted free agent. Joseph was drafted in the first round of the 2003 NFL Draft by the Giants but he never panned out. Joseph missed the 2007 NFL season with a back injury. While he started 10 games in 2005, missing the other six regular season games due to injury, he lost his starting job in training camp in 2006. Joseph only started four games in each of the 2003 and 2004 seasons. Joseph certainly looks the part. He’s big, strong, and athletic. And he flashes every now and then as both a run defender and pass rusher. But those moments are too few in number. Joseph just does not seem to be that instinctive. It appears that he is guessing at times in an effort to make the big play instead of simply maintaining his gap responsibility. And he will get mauled at times by double-team blocks. Joseph reportedly signed a 1-year, $645,000 deal with the Raiders.
S GIBRIL WILSON (to the Oakland Raiders): Wilson was moved to free safety in 2007. Wilson missed three games in December with a knee injury but started 13 regular season games and finished the regular season with 92 tackles, 7 pass defenses, and 4 interceptions. While Wilson lacks ideal size, he has good speed and agility for a safety. He is aggressive in run defense and makes a lot of tackles, although he will occasionally miss a tackle. Wilson is a good pass defender – but it would be nice to see him make more plays on the football. That said, he did have a career-high four interceptions in 2007. Wilson flashes as a blitzer. Wilson reportedly signed a 6-year, $39 million contract that included $16 million in bonus money.
LB KAWIKA MITCHELL (to the Buffalo Bills): Mitchell finished 2007 with 76 tackles, 3.5 sacks, 4 pass defenses, 1 interception for a touchdown, and 1 fumble recovery for a touchdown. Mitchell was signed by the Giants as an unrestricted free agent from the Kansas City Chiefs in March 2007. He was originally drafted in the 2nd round of the 2003 NFL Draft by the Chiefs. In four years with Kansas City, Mitchell started 50 games, including every single regular season game in 2005 and 2006 at middle linebacker. The Giants moved him to weakside linebacker. Mitchell is a versatile player who can play all three linebacker spots. He has good size and is a decent athlete. While he lacks ideal speed and quickness, he has decent range. Mitchell is a good tackler. He is decent in coverage and flashes on the blitz. He is a smart, tough, and hardworking player. Mitchell reportedly signed a 5-year, $17.5 million contract that included a $3.5 million signing bonus.
LB REGGIE TORBOR (to the Miami Dolphins): Torbor took over the strongside linebacker spot in November 2007 when Kiwanuka was lost and the Giants’ defense did not miss a beat. Torbor finished the season with 39 tackles, 1 sack, and 1 pass defense. In 2007, he started five regular season games and all four playoff games. Torbor was drafted by the Giants in the 4th round of the 2004 NFL Draft. Torbor was an undersized defensive end in college and the Giants used him as a situational pass rusher from the right defensive end spot during his rookie season. Torbor improved his linebacking play in 2005 and started nine games that season. However, despite all of the injuries and generally ineffective play at linebacker in 2006, Torbor did not see all that much playing time, starting only three games. Torbor has a decent combination of size, strength, and athleticism. He has improved his ability to stack and shed at the point-of-attack. However, Torbor is not all that fast or quick, and does not stand out in pass coverage. He is a good special teams player.
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