The New York Giants have a lot of questions when it comes to which players are going to be catching passes from quarterback Eli Manning. As of now it is Victor Cruz and a lot of uncertainty. General manager Jerry Reese has already expressed doubt in Rueben Randle and free agency has many players exiting. While the wide receiver position is certainly a focal point, Reese is looking towards tight ends for help as well.
The Giants do not expect to re-sign Brandon Myers who was the starter in 2013. He put up 522 yards off 47 catches for four touchdowns. Bear Pascoe is entering free agency, which leaves Adrien Robinson and Larry Donnell on the roster. That is not going to be enough, especially with players like Hakeem Nicks not returning.
The New York Daily News reports that Giants are expected to pursue Brandon Pettigrew in free agency as the tight end is not expected to return to the Detroit Lions. With Jimmy Graham getting the franchise tag and Dennis Pitta re-signing with Baltimore, Pettigrew is one of the best tight ends available outside of Jermichael Finley and Garrett Graham. Even then, Finley is coming off a scary neck injury and Graham has not impressed too much. Pettigrew is the best the Giants could get.
The 29-year-old will not come cheap, but is worth the money. He put up 416 yards and two touchdowns last season, but in 2011 he had 777 yards off 83 passes. With Manning he could put up those numbers again. Another upside for Pettigrew is his ability to block. He has earned the reputation of being an excellent option to line up and block which is something the Giants desperately need.
The Daily News reports New York sees a lot of Martellus Bennett in Pettigrew. The tight end was on the Giants two seasons ago and was a crucial member of the offense for his blocking and catching skills. The Giants have the space to Pettigrew with over $17 million in salary cap room with more to come after other players are released.
The team will have to compete with the likes of the New York Jets or the Seattle Seahawks to sign Pettigrew. The Houston Texans could also be in play if Graham decides to sign elsewhere. Pettigrew is the best all-around option on the market and should expect plenty of interest.