Wilson, Mitchell, Torbor, and Ward Hit the Open Market: Here is the latest on the four main Giants’ unrestricted free agents, who are now officially on the open market as of 12:01AM earlier this morning:
- FS Gibril Wilson: Most of the beat writers who cover the Giants believe Wilson will not be re-signed. Wilson’s agent sent the following e-mail to reporters yesterday: “The plan as it stands now is for us to test the free agent market. The Giants are a great organization and have made an effort to keep Gibril. However we find it in our best interest to explore our options via free agency. We will definitely keep the Giants in the loop and see where all this goes.” It is believed that Wilson is seeking a multi-year contract worth approximately $5 million per season and which includes $15 million in guaranteed money. The Star-Ledger says the Giants are offering $2-3 million per season. Newsday is reporting that the Oakland Raiders may offer Wilson a contract worth $6-6.5 million per season. The Eagles, Jaguars, and Broncos are all said to be in the mix for his services as well.
- LB Kawika Mitchell: The Daily News Giants’ blog reports that there remains some hope that Mitchell may re-sign, but the offer he has received from the Giants is not what he had hoped for. The Star-Ledger is also reporting that Mitchell is mulling an offer from the Giants that is “just okay, not great.” Newsday says Mitchell could could still re-sign with the Giants.
- LB Reggie Torbor: Torbor sent the following e-mail to The Daily News: “I believe the chances of me signing before free agency are slim to none. I guess all good things come to an end!” The Miami Dolphins are rumored to be interested.
- HB Derrick Ward: According to The Daily News, Ward knows he can get a better deal from another team. The Star-Ledger Giants’ blog says a source said it was “not looking like it” that Ward would re-sign. The blog says the Giants have offered Ward a 1- or 2-year deal because of his injury history, but Ward was looking for a longer-term contract. However, The Ledger does report that Ward could still re-sign with the Giants.
Also on the market now are DE Adrian Awasom, DT Russell Davis, and LS Ryan Kuehl.
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The Star-Ledger is reporting that the Giants are at least mildly interested in S Erik Coleman (Jets), WR Devard Darling (Ravens), and HB/PR Alvin Pearman (Seahawks).
The Ledger also reports that the contract demands of CB DeAngelo Hall (Falcons) are scaring off the Giants. If his demands come down, the Giants could possibly trade for him says the paper.
Notes: According to ColdHardFootballFacts.com, Eli Manning is the only quarterback in NFL history to lead a last-minute, championship-winning touchdown drive when his team was down by more than three points.
The Star-Ledger is reporting that the Giants are $15 million under the $116 million salary cap. The Bergen Record says the figure is $18 million under.