New York Giants Rumors: Interest Expressed In Nick Mangold
New York Giants Rumors: Interest has reportedly been shown in former New York Jets center Nick Mangold.
Recent New York Giants rumors have revolved around re-signing defensive tackle Johnathan Hankins. The newest rumor flips to the other side of the ball and involves another player from the Giants’ MetLife Stadium co-tenants.
According to Pat Leonard of the New York Daily News, the Giants have expressed interest in former New York Jets starting center Nick Mangold. The Jets released the 33-year old center in February as they begin to overhaul their roster. He has not generated much interest in free agency, but Leonard reports that the Giants are beginning to show some.
This is not the first time that Mangold has been connected to the Giants this offseason. His former teammate, the retired Willie Colon, said there were “rumblings” of the Giants being interested in him back in mid-March. Colon was onto something, as the Daily News confirmed those reports.
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Mangold was a mainstay for the Jets along the offensive line ever since they selected him with the 29th overall pick in the 2006 NFL Draft out of Ohio State. He was as durable as they come his first 10 years in the league, as he missed only four games. But, injuries caught up to him in 2016 as he appeared in only eight games battling an ankle injury.
Mangold would bring veteran leadership to the Giants should he be signed. He has been one of the best centers in the NFL throughout his career, but would he play center with the Giants?
New York already has Weston Richburg entrenched at center. He struggled his rookie season at guard, but once he was back at his natural position at center he has played well.
Pro Football Focus graded him as the 16th overall center in the NFL last season, receiving the best pass blocking grade at the position. He did not grade out as well in run blocking but was still rated higher than Mangold last season.
The Giants could look to move Mangold to guard, but the Daily News says there is been no indication that it is a move Mangold would accept. At the very least, Mangold would add competition along an offensive line that has only two or three spots set right now; smart money would be on Justin Pugh remaining at left guard, with Richburg at center and John Jerry most likely remaining at right guard.
The Giants also signed D.J. Fluker to help along the offensive line, so there will probably be a shakeup somewhere from last season’s group. Whether or not Mangold will be added to that mix remains to be seen.
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If the Giants do indeed land Mangold, he will not be the first player to leave the Jets to join the Giants. This offseason Brandon Marshall made the move along with Geno Smith. Last season Damon Harrison changed from green to blue as well. Will Mangold be next to trade in the green of the Jets for the blue of the Giants?