New York Giants 2002 NFL Free Agency Preview

New York Giants 2002 NFL Free Agency Preview

Quarterback: Kerry Collins and Jesse Palmer are locks. Jason Garrett has been waived, but the Giants supposedly want him back. If they don’t, unless Darnell Dinkins really surprises in NFL Europe, then the Giants have an opening for either a reasonably-priced veteran or a draft pick.

Tony Banks			Washington		UFA
Charlie Batch			Waived/Detroit		UFA
Jeff Blake			Waived/New Orleans	UFA
Dave Brown			Arizona			UFA
Chris Chandler			Waived/Atlanta		UFA
Dameyune Craig			Waived/Redskins		UFA
Randall Cunningham		Baltimore		UFA
Trent Dilfer			Seattle			UFA
Gus Frerotte			Denver			UFA
Jason Garrett			Waived/Giants		UFA
Kent Graham			Washington		UFA
Elvis Grbac			Waived/Baltimore	UFA
Jim Harbaugh			Carolina		UFA
Rob Johnson			Waived/Buffalo		UFA
Paul Justin			St. Louis		UFA
Ryan Leaf			Waived/Dallas		UFA
Shane Mathews			Waived/Chicago		UFA
Jim Miller			Chicago			UFA
Rick Mirer			San Francisco		UFA
Scott Mitchell			Cincinnati		UFA
Doug Pederson			Green Bay		UFA
Rodney Peete			Oakland			UFA
Jonathan Quinn			Jacksonville		UFA
Mark Rypien			Indianapolis		UFA
Eric Zeier			N/A			UFA			

Scott Covington			Cincinnati		RFA
Jake Delhomme			New Orleans		RFA
Chris Greisen			Arizona			RFA
Brock Huard			Seattle			RFA

Chris Chandler is the best of the bunch, but he probably will want to go someplace where he has a chance to start. Same with Jim Miller and Jeff Blake. Rob Johnson has talent, but Buffalo was a bad fit for him and he takes too much punishment. If the Giants want to pursue a back-up-type, they may want to look at Paul Justin, Jonathan Quinn, or Rodney Peete.

Fullback: The Giants are set at halfback with Tiki Barber and Ron Dayne. But they may be looking to replace Greg Comella at fullback or looking for someone cheaper if Greg’s salary demands are too outrageous (Comella is an unrestricted free agent).

Fred Beasley			San Francisco		UFA
Donnell Bennett			Washington		UFA
Reggie Brown			Waived/Green Bay	UFA
Greg Comella			Giants			UFA
Sam Gash			Waived/Baltimore	UFA
William Henderson		Green Bay		UFA
Chris Hetherington		Carolina		UFA
Robert Holcombe			St. Louis		UFA
Damien Shelton			Chicago			UFA
Detron Smith			Waived/Denver		UFA
Mack Strong			Seattle			UFA
Jon Witman			Waived/Pittsburgh	UFA

Obafemi Ayanbadejo		Baltimore		RFA
James Hodgins			St. Louis		RFA
Terry Jackson			San Francisco		RFA
Joel Makovicka			Arizona			RFA
Cecil Martin			Philadelphia		RFA
Dennis McKinley			Arizona			RFA
Nick Williams			Cincinnati		RFA

There are three very interesting fullbacks: Fred Beasily, Mack Strong, and William Henderson. All three can block and all three come from West Coast offenses. Sam Gash has been a great lead blocker in this league for a long time, does he have another year left in him?

Wide Receiver: It’s pretty certain that the Giants will look to upgrade team speed at wide receiver either in free agency or the draft – or both. The slower Joe Jurevicius – who is unrestricted – will most likely depart.

Derrick Alexander		Waived/Kansas City	UFA
Will Blackwell			Waived/Pittsburgh	UFA
Corey Bradford			Green Bay		UFA
Chris Carter			Minnesota		UFA
Albert Connell			Waived/New Orleans	UFA
Kenny Coutain			Waived/Green Bay	UFA
Germane Crowell			Detroit			UFA
Thabiti Davis			Waived/Giants		UFA
Sean Dawkins			Jacksonville		UFA
Bert Emanuel			Detroit			UFA
Bobby Engram			Seattle			UFA
Antonio Freeman			Waived/Green Bay	UFA
Jammi German			Cleveland		UFA
Jeff Graham			Waived/San Diego	UFA
Jacquez Green			Tampa Bay		UFA
Damon Griffin			St. Louis		UFA
Az-Zahir Hakim			St. Louis		UFA
Mathew Hatchette		Waived/Jets		UFA
Donald Hayes			Carolina		UFA
Windrell Hayes			Waived/Jets		UFA
Qadry Ismail			Waived/Baltimore	UFA
Curtis Jackson			Waived/New England	UFA
Willie Jackson			New Orleans		UFA
Nate Jacquet			Minnesota		UFA
Charles Johnson			Waived/New England	UFA
Patrick Johnson			Baltimore		UFA
Joe Jurevicius			Giants			UFA
Terance Mathis			Waived/Atlanta		UFA
Keenan McCardell		Waived/Jacksonville	UFA
O.J. McDuffie			Waived/Miami		UFA
Wane McGarity			New Orleans		UFA
Eric Metcalf			Washington		UFA
Glyn Milburn			San Diego		UFA
Lonny Mitchell			Waived/Minnesota	UFA
Herman Moore			Waived/Detroit		UFA
Rob Moore			Waived/Arizona		UFA
Johnnie Morton			Waived/Detroit		UFA
Jeff Ogden			Miami			UFA
Jerome Pathon			Indianapolis		UFA
Keith Poole			Denver			UFA
Ricky Proehl			St. Louis		UFA
Jake Reed			Minnesota		UFA
Anthony Reidel			Waived/Tampa Bay	UFA
Chris Sanders			Waived/Tennessee	UFA
Damon Savage			Waived/Miami		UFA
Bill Schroeder			Green Bay		UFA
Bobby Shaw			Pittsburgh		UFA
Tony Simmons			Indianapolis		UFA
Troy Walters			Waived/Minneapolis	UFA
Michael Westbrook		Washington		UFA
Karl Williams			Tampa Bay		UFA
Robert Wilson			New Orleans		UFA
Craig Yeast			Waived/Jets		UFA

Marty Booker			Chicago			RFA
Na Brown			Philadelphia		RFA
Darrin Chiaverini		Dallas			RFA
Donald Driver			Green Bay		RFA
Larry Parker			Kansas City		RFA
Brandon Stokley			Baltimore		RFA
Derrius Thompson		Washington		RFA
Terrence Wilkins		Indianapolis		RFA

Az-Zahir Hakim is small, but he has very good speed and outstanding quickness. He makes things happen although his hands are so-so at best. Qadry Ismail is a fast receiver who can make plays down the field. Germane Crowell was developing into an excellent receiver until the injury bug hit him – he had surgery on both of his knees. I would at least take a look at him and see how healthy he is. Some lesser known speedsters include Corey Bradford, Patrick Johnson, and Jerome Pathon.

Tight End: Even though Dan Campbell (restricted free agent) is developing and there are a couple of young prospects on the roster (Marcellus Rivers and Taman Bryant), there still is no proven commodity who can both catch and block.

Stephen Alexander		Washington		UFA
Mike Bartrum			Philadelphia		UFA
Marco Battaglia			Washington		UFA
David Binn			San Diego		UFA
Luther Broughton		Carolina		UFA
Byron Chamberlain		Minnesota		UFA
Greg Clark			Waived/San Francisco	UFA
Cam Cleeland			New Orleans		UFA
Tyrone Davis			Green Bay		UFA
Ken Dilger			Waived/Indianapolis	UFA
Christian Fauria		Seattle			UFA
Hunter Goodwin			Waived/Miami		UFA
Terry Hardy			Arizona			UFA
Jackie Harris			Waived/Dallas		UFA
James Hill			Waived/Jacksonville	UFA
Damon Jones			Waived/Jacksonville	UFA
Freddie Jones			Waived/San Diego	UFA
Andrew Jordan			Minnesota		UFA
Trey Junkin			Arizona			UFA
Brian Kozlowski			Atlanta			UFA
Tony McGee			Waived/Cincinnati	UFA
Itula Mili			Seattle			UFA
Pete Mitchell			Detroit			UFA
Dave Moore			Waived/Tampa Bay	UFA
Jake Moreland			Cleveland		UFA
Mikhael Ricks			Kansas City		UFA
Rod Rutledge			New England		UFA
O.J. Santiago			Cleveland		UFA
Shannon Sharpe			Waived/Baltimore	UFA
Kaseem Sinceno			Chicago			UFA
David Sloan			Detroit			UFA

Dan Campbell			Giants			RFA
Desmond Clark			Denver			RFA
Matt Cushing			Pittsburgh		RFA
Lamont Hall			New Orleans		RFA
Steve Heiden			San Diego		RFA
Sheldon Jackson			Buffalo			RFA
Mike Lucky			Dallas			RFA
Jerame Tuman			Pittsburgh		RFA
Jed Weaver			Miami			RFA

There are some talented guys here who could really help the Giants. Ken Dilger is a good blocker and a very good short-range receiver. Freddie Jones is an athletic receiving threat who had an off-year in 2001. Shannon Sharpe would provide the offense with an attitude and leadership; he can still play and has a good relationship with Jim Fassel. Greg Clark is quality two-way tight end who can’t seem to stay healthy; if he does, he is a player to watch. Stephen Alexander missed most of last year with injury; if healthy, he has the athletic-ability to get down the field although he drops some balls occasionally. David Sloan and Byron Chamberlain are better receivers than blockers. Kaseem Sinceno is a decent play who can block and catch some. Rod Rutledge is a Howard Cross-type – good blocker, below average receiver. Dave Moore is a better blocker than receiver.

Offensive Line: The Giants most likely will look to add one or two veterans via free agency. Only Luke Petitgout and Dusty Zeigler are locks to start. Ron Stone (unrestricted free agent) is likely gone. Reports say the Giants want to re-sign Jason Whittle and Mike Rosenthal (both restricted free agents).

Tom Ackerman			Waived/Saints		UFA
Darryl Ashmore			Oakland			UFA
Brad Badger			Waived/Vikings		UFA
Kerline Blaise			Detroit			UFA
Orlando Bobo			Baltimore		UFA
Blake Brockermeyer		Chicago			UFA
Lomas Brown			Waived/Giants		UFA
Ray Brown			Waived/San Francisco	UFA
Matt Campbell			Waived/Texans		UFA
Anthony Clement			Arizona			UFA
Ben Coleman			Washington		UFA
Calvin Collins			Minnesota		UFA
Billy Conaty			Buffalo			UFA
David Diaz-Infante		Denver			UFA
Gennaro DiNapoli		Tennessee		UFA
Earl Dotson			Green Bay		UFA
Roger Duffy			Waived/Pittsburgh	UFA
John Fina			Waived/Buffalo		UFA
Mark Fischer			Washington		UFA
Spencer Folau			Miami			UFA
Todd Fordham			Jacksonville		UFA
Roman Fortin			San Diego		UFA
Aaron Graham			Oakland			UFA
DeMingo Graham			San Diego		UFA
Bob Hallen			Atlanta			UFA
Dale Hellestrae			Baltimore		UFA
Jimmy Herndon			Chicago			UFA
Heath Irwin			Waived/Miami		UFA
John Jackson			Cincinnati		UFA
Kendyl Jacox			San Diego		UFA
Kerry Jenkins			N.Y. Jets		UFA
Tré Johnson			Cleveland		UFA
Rod Jones			St. Louis		UFA
Matt Joyce			Detroit			UFA
Olin Kreutz			Chicago			UFA
Kevin Long			Tennessee		UFA
Steve McKinney			Indianapolis		UFA
Bubba Miller			Philadelphia		UFA
Larry Moore			Indianapolis		UFA
Chris Naeole			New Orleans		UFA
Jamie Nails			Miami			UFA
Jeremy Newberry			San Francisco		UFA
Roman Oben			Waived/Cleveland	UFA	
Glenn Parker			Waived/Giants		UFA
Pete Pierson			Tampa Bay		UFA
Marcus Price			New Orleans		UFA
Jim Pyne			Philadelphia		UFA
Cory Raymer			Washington		UFA
Victor Riley			Kansas City		UFA
Raleigh Roundtree		San Diego		UFA
Ephraim Salaam			Atlanta			UFA
Leon Searcy			Baltimore		UFA
Tony Semple			Detroit			UFA
Jeff Smith			Jacksonville		UFA
Marcus Spears			Kansas City		UFA
Mark Stepnoski			Waived/Dallas		UFA
Barry Stokes			Green Bay		UFA
Ron Stone			Giants			UFA
Harry Swayne			Miami			UFA
Dave Szott			Washington		UFA
Trey Teague			Denver			UFA
Daryl Terrell			New Orleans		UFA
Ryan Tucker			Waived/St. Louis	UFA
Rich Tylski			Waived/Pittsburgh	UFA
Morris Unutoa			Buffalo			UFA
Kip Vickers			Waived/Baltimore	UFA
John Wade			Jacksonville		UFA
Mike Wahle			Green Bay		UFA
Todd Washington			Tampa Bay		UFA
Jason Watts			Waived/Oakland		UFA
Todd Weiner			Seattle			UFA
Erik Williams			Baltimore		UFA
Grant Williams			New England		UFA
Sammy Williams			Baltimore		UFA
Matt Willig			San Francisco		UFA
Donald Willis			Kansas City		UFA

Doug Brzezinski			Philadelphia		RFA
Ben Fricke			Dallas			RFA
DeMingo Graham			San Diego		RFA
Willie Jones			Kansas City		RFA
David Loverne			N.Y. Jets		RFA
Ben Lynch			San Francisco		RFA
Todd McClure			Atlanta			RFA
Edwin Mulitalo			Baltimore		RFA
Toby Myles			Oakland			RFA
Jamar Nesbit			Carolina		RFA
Mike Rosenthal			Giants			RFA
Oliver Ross			Pittsburgh		RFA
Grey Ruegamer			New England		RFA
Jeff Saturday			Indianapolis		RFA
Ryan Schau			Houston			RFA
Yusuf Scott			Arizona			RFA
Cameron Spikes			St. Louis		RFA
Rex Tucker			Chicago			RFA
Floyd Wedderburn		Seattle			RFA
Jason Whittle			Giants			RFA
Ryan Young			Texans			RFA

The best offensive linemen got protected before free agency started. Olin Kreutz and Jeremy Newberry are two of the best centers in football. Victor Riley, Anthony Clement, and Todd Weiner are three solid right tackles. So is Earl Dotson, but he has a history of back problems. Leon Searcy was a great player before injuries cost him the last two seasons. Ryan Tucker is OK at right tackle. Mike Wahle and Kerry Jenkins are an up-and-coming guards. Guard Steve McKinney is a tough technician. Guard David Szott is nearing the end of an outstanding career, but he proved last year he can still play and he wants to come to New York. Marcus Spears is a quality back-up on a solid Chiefs’ line. So is Tampa’s Todd Washington, who can play center and guard. LT Trey Teague is a better pass blocker than run blocker. Ex-Giant Roman Oben is an average player who can play on the left side. Kip Vickers can play anywhere on the line, but he’s strictly a back-up-type.

Defensive End: With the Giants having a lot of money invested in Michael Strahan and Kenny Holmes, it is unlikely they will pursue a big-ticket end in free agency. However, getting a solid third end who can rotate with these two would be nice.

Chidi Ahanotu			St. Louis		UFA
Michael Boireau			Waived/Minnesota	UFA
Lorenzo Bromell			Miami			UFA
Rob Burnett			Waived/Baltimore	UFA
Marco Coleman			Waived/Washington	UFA
Stalin Colinet			Waived/Minnesota	UFA
Cecil Deckard			Waived/New England	UFA
Joe Johnson			New Orleans		UFA
Cedric Jones			St. Louis		UFA
Leonard Little			St. Louis		UFA
Rick Lyle			N.Y. Jets		UFA
Keith McKenzie			Cleveland		UFA
Kenny Mixon			Miami			UFA
Eric Ogbogu			N.Y. Jets		UFA
Rich Owens			Kansas City		UFA
Jason Peter			Carolina		UFA
Carl Powell			Chicago			UFA
Jeff Robinson			St. Louis		UFA
Tracy Scroggins			Waived/Detroit		UFA
Michael Sinclair		Waived/Seattle		UFA
Gregory Spires			Cleveland		UFA
Maa Tanuvasa			San Diego		UFA
John Thierry			Waived/Green Bay	UFA
Mark Thomas			Indianapolis		UFA
Andre Wadsworth			Waived/Cardinals	UFA
Steve White			Tampa Bay		UFA
Chuck Wiley			Atlanta			UFA
Tyrone Williams			Waived/Kansas City	UFA
Reinard Wilson			Cincinnati		UFA
Renaldo Wynn			Jacksonville		UFA

Lionel Barnes			Indianapolis		RFA
Tom Burke			Arizona			RFA
Antonio Cochran			Seattle			RFA
Adrian Dingle			San Diego		RFA
Arnold Miller			Cleveland		RFA
Chike Okeafor			San Francisco		RFA
Talance Sawyer			Minnesota		RFA
Brad Scioli			Indianapolis		RFA
Aaron Smith			Pittsburgh		RFA
Willie Whitehead		New Orleans		RFA

Leonard Little is a pass-rushing specialist (14.5 sacks) who would fit in nicely with the Giants, but he is most likely a part time player with a big price tag. Keith McKenzie can rush the passer and is a key member of the tough Browns’ defense. Joe Johnson is a quality two-way defensive end. Lorenzo Bromell (6.5 sacks) has some pass rush ability. So does Reinard Wilson who picked up 9 sacks as a situational pass rusher. Steve White has been a solid back-up for Tampa. Michael Sinclair is on the downside of his career and cut due to salary cap concerns by Seattle, but he may be worth a look. Renaldo Wynn underachieved in Jacksonville, but he has talent; better against the run than pass. Rob Burnett is a quality player, but he will be 35.

Defensive Tackle: Again, depth is the issue here with Keith Hamilton and Cornelius Griffin entrenched as starters.

Sam Adams			Waived/Baltimore	UFA
Gilbert Brown			Green Bay		UFA
Shane Burton			Waived/Jets		UFA
James Cannida			Tampa Bay		UFA
Larry Chester			Carolina		UFA
Lional Dalton			Baltimore		UFA
Santana Dotson			Waived/Green Bay	UFA
Josh Evans			Tennessee		UFA
Jason Fisk			Tennessee		UFA
Jim Flanigan			Green Bay		UFA
La'Roi Glover			New Orleans		UFA
Darius Holland			Waived/Browns		UFA
Grady Jackson			Oakland			UFA
Travis Kirschke			Detroit			UFA
Kenard Lang			Washington		UFA
Leon Lett			Waived/Denver		UFA
Steve Martin			N.Y. Jets		UFA
Brandon Mitchell		New England		UFA
Mike Mohring			San Diego		UFA
Sean Moran			St. Louis		UFA
Michael Myers			Dallas			UFA
Riddick Parker			New England		UFA
John Parrella			San Diego		UFA
Christian Peter			Waived/Indianapolis	UFA
Shawn Price			Buffalo			UFA
Kelvin Pritchett		Detroit			UFA
Derrick Ransom			Kansas City		UFA
Joe Salave'a			Tennessee		UFA
Mark Smith			Cleveland		UFA
Shawn Swayda			Atlanta			UFA
Mike Thompson			Cleveland		UFA
Jared Tomich			Waived/Green Bay	UFA
Dimitrius Underwood		Waived/Dallas		UFA
Larry Webster			Waived/Baltimore	UFA
Mike Wells			Waived/Indianapolis	UFA
Jeff Zgonina			Waived/St. Louis	UFA

Jared DeVries			Detroit			RFA
Cletidus Hunt			Green Bay		RFA
Brandon Noble			Dallas			RFA
Chukie Nwokorie			Indianapolis		RFA
John Thornton			Tennessee		RFA

La’Roi Glover is a superb pass rushing defensive tackle, though he had a bit of a down year last season. Grady Jackson was voted the Raiders’ most valuable defensive player by his teammates. Kenard Lang can play inside or outside and that is the type of versatility the Giants should be looking for. Jason Fisk is a solid defensive tackle who plays hard and is respected by his teammates; he had both shoulders scoped in the offseason however. Fellow Titans Josh Evans and Joe Salave’a are solid back-up-types, but Salave’a also had offseason surgery. Lional Dalton is a quality reserve for Baltimore. So was Larry Webster, but he has some off-the-field issues. Michael Myers is a disruptive player who is better penetrating than holding the point-of-attack. Sam Adams and John Parrella are great run stoppers, but they will be looking to start. Shane Burton is solid, but he doesn’t really stand out. Santana Dotson is solid. Bringing back Christian Peter would make a lot of sense.

Linebacker: With weakside linebacker Jessie Armstead released, adding quality competition either through free agency and/or the draft is a must.

Allen Aldridge			Detroit			UFA
Elijah Alexander		Waived/Oakland		UFA
Jessie Armstead			Waived/Giants		UFA
Shawn Barber			Washington		UFA
Stephen Boyd			Waived/Detroit		UFA
O.J. Brigance			St. Louis		UFA
Glenn Cadrez			Kansas City		UFA
Mike Caldwell			Philadelphia		UFA
Sam Cowart			Buffalo			UFA
Bryan Cox			New England		UFA
Henri Crockett			Atlanta			UFA
Gerald Dixon			San Diego		UFA
Jamie Duncan			Tampa Bay		UFA
Donnie Edwards			Waived/Kansas		UFA
James Farrior			N.Y. Jets		UFA
Greg Favors			Tennessee		UFA
Mark Fields			Waived/St. Louis	UFA
London Fletcher			St. Louis		UFA
James Folston			Arizona			UFA
Scott Galyon			Waived/Dolphins		UFA	
Jeff Gooch			Waived/Tampa Bay	UFA
Darren Hambrick			Carolina		UFA
Kevin Hardy			Jacksonville		UFA
Bernardo Harris			Waived/Green Bay	UFA
Sean Harris			Indianapolis		UFA
Nate Hemsley			Waived/Carolina		UFA
John Holecek			San Diego		UFA
Rob Holmberg			Green Bay		UFA
Earl Holmes			Pittsburgh		UFA
Brad Jackson			Baltimore		UFA
Greg Jones			Chicago			UFA
Lenoy Jones			Cleveland		UFA
Marvin Jones			Waived/Jets		UFA
Mike Jones			Waived/Pittsburgh	UFA
Robert Jones			Waived/Titans		UFA
Antony Jordan			Waived/Atlanta		UFA
Andy Katzenmoyer		Waived/New England	UFA
Jeff Kelly			Atlanta			UFA
Terry Killens			San Francisco		UFA
Scott Kowalkowski		Detroit			UFA
Eddie Mason			Washington		UFA
Ed McDaniel			Waived/Minnesota	UFA
Pete Monty			Minnesota		UFA
Marty Moore			Waived/New England	UFA
Mike Morton			Indianapolis		UFA
Hardy Nickerson			Waived/Jacksonville	UFA
Roman Phifer			New England		UFA
Ryan Phillips			Indianapolis		UFA
Jeff Posey			Jacksonville		UFA
Eddie Robinson			Waived/Tennessee	UFA
Sam Rogers			Waived/San Diego	UFA
Tarek Saleh			Cleveland		UFA
Chris Slade			Carolina		UFA
Jeremiah Trotter		Philadelphia		UFA
Artie Ulmer			Atlanta			UFA
Zack Walz			Arizona			UFA
Dean Wells			Waived/Carolina		UFA
Brian Williams			Detroit			UFA
K.D. Williams			Green Bay		UFA
Kailee Wong			Minnesota		UFA
Lee Woodall			Denver			UFA
Fearon Wright			Waived/Minnesota	UFA

JoJuan Armour			Cincinnati		RFA
Roosevelt Colvin		Chicago			RFA
Chris Draft			Atlanta			RFA
Jay Foreman			Buffalo			RFA
Warrick Holdman			Chicago			RFA
Clint Kriewaldt			Detroit			RFA
Mike Maslowski			Kansas City		RFA
Hannibal Navies			Carolina		RFA
Jim Nelson			Minnesota		RFA
Keith Newman			Buffalo			RFA
Dat Nguyen			Dallas			RFA
Joey Porter			Pittsburgh		RFA
Wali Rainer			Cleveland		RFA
Orlando Ruff			San Diego		RFA
Khari Samuel			Detroit			RFA
Mike Schneck			Pittsburgh		RFA
Gary Stills			Kansas City		RFA
Sam Sword			Indianapolis		RFA
Tim Terry			Seattle			RFA

Marvin Jones is a big, athletic linebacker who has been somewhat injury-prone in his career, but he started all 16 games last season and is a fine player. Jamie Duncan is undersized, but quick. London Fletcher is a productive middle linebacker for the Rams and some think he is better suited outside. Kailee Wong is a former defensive linemen who is improving at middle linebacker. Earl Holmes is better against the run than the pass. Donnie Edwards is a quality weakside linebacker who can cover and rush the passer – he’d be a great fit for the Giants’ defense. Kevin Hardy is a top-flight linebacker when healthy, but he has been plagued by knee problems the past two seasons. Shawn Barber is a fast weakside linebacker who can cover, but he is coming off of knee surgery too and that has to be checked out. Mike Caldwell is coming off his best season as a pro on the weakside for the Eagles. Sam Cowart was one of the best linebackers in the league before he tore his Achilles’ tendon early last season; it all depends on how healthy he is. James Farrior is a solid weakside linebacker coming off his best year. Greg Favors is a good player and a tough guy who won’t be re-signed by the Titans as they want Keith Bullock to start in his place. Roman Phifer is older, but he is also coming off of a very productive season for the Patriots; he is a quality all-around player. Eddie Robinson plays with great technique and is a leader. Scott Galyon was a fine back-up for the Giants before he left for Miami; however, his injured knee must be checked out. Stephen Boyd and Bernardo Harris are fine run stoppers who aren’t as good against the pass.

Safety: The Giants are set at cornerback with Jason Sehorn, Will Allen, Will Peterson, and Ralph Brown. The team’s biggest free agent priority is re-signing Shaun Williams. He may be moved to strong safety. Sam Garnes has been waived; the question is will the Giants try to re-sign him?

Myron Bell			Pittsburgh		UFA
Tommy Bennett			Waived/Detroit		UFA
Blaine Bishop			Waived/Tennessee	UFA
Ronnie Bradford			Waived/Atlanta		UFA
Eric Brown			Denver			UFA
LaMar Campbell			Detroit			UFA
Keion Carpenter			Buffalo			UFA
Terrence Carroll		Waived/Green Bay	UFA
Chris Carter			Cincinnati		UFA
Marty Carter			Detroit			UFA
Chad Cota			Waived/Indianapolis	UFA
Scott Frost			Green Bay		UFA
Joseph Gana			Waived/Green Bay	UFA
Sam Garnes			Waived/Giants		UFA
Victor Green			Waived/Jets		UFA
Robert Griffith			Minnesota		UFA
Corey Harris			Baltimore		UFA
Chris Hayes			Waived/Jets		UFA
Chris Hudson			Atlanta			UFA
Billy Jenkins			Green Bay		UFA
Kerry Joseph			Waived/Seattle		UFA
Rob Kelly			New Orleans		UFA
Carnell Lake			Baltimore		UFA
Keith Lyle			Washington		UFA
Brock Marrion			Waived/Miami		UFA
Ray McElroy			Detroit			UFA
Scott McGarrahan		Miami			UFA
Damon Moore			Philadelphia		UFA
Tony Parrish			Chicago			UFA
Perry Phenix			Tennessee		UFA
Marquez Pope			Waived/Oakland		UFA
Izell Reese			Dallas			UFA
Ron Rice			Waived/Detroit		UFA
Damien Richardson		Carolina		UFA
Lance Schulters			San Francisco		UFA
Kurt Schulz			Waived/Detroit		UFA
Kywin Supernaw			Detroit			UFA
George Teague			Waived/Dallas		UFA
Orlando Thomas			Waived/Minnesota	UFA
Pat Tillman			Arizona			UFA
Eric Vance			Waived/Tampa Bay	UFA
Brian Walker			Miami			UFA
Mark Washington			Waived/New England	UFA
Darryl Williams			Waived/Cincinnati	UFA
Shaun Williams			Giants			UFA
Rod Woodson			Waived/Baltimore	UFA

Larry Atkins			Kansas City		RFA
Rashard Cook			Philadelphia		RFA
Cory Hall			Cincinnati		RFA
Dexter Jackson			Tampa Bay		RFA
Jason Perry			San Diego		RFA
Pierson Prioleau		Buffalo			RFA

Rod Woodson has some appeal because he can still play and is a fine leader. Lance Schulters and Blaine Bishop are good players who can play both safety spots. Free safety Ronnie Bradford is solid, but his play dropped some last season. Brock Marrion and George Teague are OK. Robert Griffith is outstanding at strong safety. Chad Cota hasn’t lived up to his reputation at strong safety recently, but he is a good player. Corey Harris, Tony Parrish, Victor Green, Brian Walker, Chris Carter, and Pat Tillman are solid at strong safety. The Giants may be better off playing DeWayne Patmon at free safety and drafting a prospect. Scott McGarrahan is a special teams standout.