The NY Giants are coming into the offseason with a number of questions after missing the playoffs for the second straight year and with the news coming out that Jerry Reese will allow Hakeem Nicks and Justin Tuck to test the free agent market, many have wondered if the team will try and restructure Eli Manning's contract this offseason.
According to ESPN.com, Reese spoke at the NFL combine this past weekend in Indianapolis about some of the offseason plans for the Giants and he said that pending free agents Hakeem Nicks and Justin Tuck will be allowed to test the market and that the team would take a "wait and see" approach with linebacker Jon Beason. Reese said that he hopes to keep both players, but that they will hit the market to see what is out there and the team will take things as they come depending on what teams offer the players.
Tuck had a strong finish to the season and ended up with 11 sacks and he has won two Super Bowls with the team, while Nicks is coming off of a very disappointing year that saw him make 56 catches for 896 and zero touchdowns. Nicks has been a disappointment over the past two seasons and he could be someone that ends up leaving, while the team also is dealing with Linval Joseph hitting free agency and he has been an important part of the defense they hope to retain.
The cap is going up and the team could have about $20 million in room according to ESPN.com and with 21 players set to be free agents, there are bound to be some players not returning. The offensive line will get an overhaul and Eli Manning's contract also could get a look. Reese said that all "options would be open" regarding the contract, but according to NJ.com, the team has shown no signs of renegotiating the deal. Manning had a terrible season with 27 interceptions and the offense is looking to get an overhaul, as Nick is likely leaving and Ben McAdoo is taking over as offensive coordinator.