The New York Giants need offensive pieces this offseason. After a lackluster 2013 season, the Giants are in need of playmakers and depth but have taken very few steps to achieve that goal. They will be relying on the health of Mario Manningham and the development of Rueben Randle while adding Rashad Jennings brings some youth into the mix. But the Giants still need a few more bodies which could come in the form of a trade.
Head coach Tom Coughlin is hopeful David Wilson can return to the Giants and be the team's starting running back next season. However, there are a lot of "ifs" when it comes to that situation. After suffering a season-ending neck injury in October, many believed Wilson's career was over. However, the running back is stressing he will be healthy enough to play after successful rehab.
According to ESPN's Dan Graziano, the Giants are being very cautious when it comes to Wilson's future and could be preparing a backup plan if he is no longer able to play. Graziano writes that the Giants brought in Rashad Jennings to possibly take over the starting role after he excelled playing in Oakland. Jennings could be quality but that still leaves doubt about who is playing behind him if Wilson is not there. Can Peyton Hillis or Brandon Jacobs be trusted?
The Giants are currently being linked to a possible trade for 49ers' running back LaMichael James. San Francisco is being non-committal when it comes to their loyalty to the running back they got in the second round just two seasons ago. But the team has a crowded roster at the position and James still holds some value on the market.
The 49ers are aiming to move up in the draft. The most they could command for James is possibly a third-round draft pick. He is a very versatile back that could easily catch passes out of the backfield and work on special teams. The Giants have been glancing at rookies to add to the roster and James would be a much better option than a late round pick.
Quarterback Eli Manning cannot survive another season with a lack of offensive weapons. Getting James would add another dynamic to the ground game, especially if Wilson is not healthy. The team will add another wide receiver in the draft which could round out their offense for 2014.
