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New York Giants Set Up Meeting With Quarterback Geno Smith

By Kenneth Teape

Oct 17, 2016; Glendale, AZ, USA; New York Jets quarterback Geno Smith (7) looks to pass during the second half against the Arizona Cardinals at University of Phoenix Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matt Kartozian-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 17, 2016; Glendale, AZ, USA; New York Jets quarterback Geno Smith (7) looks to pass during the second half against the Arizona Cardinals at University of Phoenix Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matt Kartozian-USA TODAY Sports /
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The New York Giants have set up a meeting with free agent quarterback Geno Smith.

The New York Giants have been pretty quiet in NFL Free Agency so far. They are a bit handcuffed money wise with Jason Pierre-Paul having the franchise tag placed on him. As a result, the Giants have spent frugally thus far.

New York has agreed to smaller deals with wide receiver Brandon Marshall and tight end Rhett Ellison. Both will improve the Giants run blocking, a huge issue for the team in 2016. Another hole to fill on the depth chart is at quarterback.

The Giants put as little emphasis on the quarterback position in the offseason as any team in the NFL. They usually carry only two quarterbacks during the regular season, a testament to Eli Manning‘s durability. He has not missed a start, regular season or playoffs, since taking over the starting job during his rookie season in 2004.

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But, at 36-years old, the Giants need to begin setting up a contingency plan. Ryan Nassib was looked at as a possibility, but he is now a free agent and unlikely to return. The Giants could bring back Josh Johnson, who was signed prior to the regular season.

The Giants currently do not have a backup quarterback on the roster. If they elect to not bring back Johnson, they will probably add a veteran, in addition to possibly selecting a youngster to groom behind Manning.

One player to keep an eye on in free agency is former New York Jets quarterback Geno Smith. According to Art Stapleton of The Records Sports, Smith is scheduled to meet with the Giants today.

Smith is an intriguing player for the Giants to look at. First and foremost, they have to see if he is healthy. Smith tore his ACL last season, so this meeting will hinge largely on his health.ESPN’s Josina Anderson reports that Smith’s visit will not include a workout, but Smith believes that he will be ready for training camp. If that is cleared, the Giants will have a decision to make.

Smith flamed out with the Jets after being their second round pick in 2013. At 26 years old, he is still young enough that he has a chance to develop into something at the NFL level; he already looks to be an above-average backup option.

Smith will come with some baggage from his time with the Jets, with the incident involving IK Enemkpali being at the forefront. That incident took Smith out of the running for a starting job in 2015 and has caused his stock to diminish.

The Giants could be better off bringing in a young player from the draft to groom, but they certainly wouldn’t be comfortable using that player as their backup for the duration of the offseason and regular season.

Next: New York Giants: 6 Signings To Make To Ace Free Agency

The Giants are almost certain to bring in a veteran at some point, and Smith could be that guy. He will probably be cheap to sign and would some playing experience along with him.

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