Giants 2011: A Season In Review

The Superbowl XLVI Champion New York Giants have a talented group of players that led them to their fourth championship. Now, they must deal with who to re-sign and who to let go.

Offense
While there is no question that they have a starting quarterback for the next number of years to come, backup QB David Carr should return on a 1-year deal. He is a proven backup who knows the system and even though he doesn't play much, if at all, if Manning ever was unable to play, whether from injury, illness or whatnot, Carr would be comfortable in that role.

Wide receivers Domenik Hixon, Devin Thomas, and Mario Manningham should all return. Manningham had 39 receptions for 523 yards in 2011. They work well with Eli and provide a DEEP receiving core. Of the Giants 3 free agents receivers, however, Hixon is the most likely to be let go.

Manningham MUST return!

With Jake Ballard's injury, as well as the evolving position of the tight end, Bear Pascoe is likely to return on a short term deal.

Steve Weatherford is likely to sign a long term deal this offseason.

Offensive Tackles Kareem McKenzie and Tony Ogoh could be re-signed, but Ogoh is the most likely to be let go though.

Guard Stacy Andrews, however, is probably gone. After his diagnosis with a pulmonary embolism, with his career and even life in danger, he will not be back in 2012.

With the Giants defensive woes last season, Rocky Bernard will be gone, but Jimmy Kennedy, the troubled defensive tackle, will return on a 1-year deal unless his legal issues get in the way.

Defensive End Dave Tollefson is likely to be back on a short-term deal.

The linebaking core struggled in 2011, and as a result, ILB Jonathan Goff, who spent the entire season on IR, will not return in 2012, as Greg Jones and Mark Herzlich filled in admirably in Goff's absence. OLB Chase Blackburn, who was cut once and barely returned this season, proved he CAN turn around, and while it is not certain, he may receive a 1-year tender.

Now, the cornerbacks last season were AWFUL. They couldn't make a stop or a catch, and therefore, Aaron Ross, Michael Coe, and Brian Jackson will probably all be gone in 2012. However, Will Blackmon may sign a tender, Justin Tyron should be kept, and Terrell Thomas, who spent the entire season on IR but is progressing quickly and will be ready for training camp, MUST return!

That brings me to the safteies. The most criticized position all season, (at least by me). Stong saftey Deon Grant should not return in 2012, instead being replaced by Tyler Sash. Derrick Martin, however, may return on a short-term deal or tender.

Deon Grant cannot intercept Ryan Fitzpatrick and surrenders a touchdown.