New York Giants: Is signing Nick Mangold Good or Bad?

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Oct 17, 2016; Glendale, AZ, USA; New York Jets center Nick Mangold (74) against the Arizona Cardinals at University of Phoenix Stadium. The Cardinals defeated the Jets 28-3. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports /

Joshua Silverman- Empire Writes Back Contributor

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Signing Nick Mangold would be a solution to a different problem for the New York Giants.

According to Over The Cap the Giants currently have $9.5 million in cap space available for the remainder of the 2017 offseason. The same website currently estimates the Giants will need roughly $5 million to sign its draft picks in April.

Mangold, who is currently 33 years old, could be a fit for the Giants in an ideal world. The ex-New York Jet is an all-pro, and was once regarded as the best at his position. His age means he won’t get any long term contracts, which is a fit for the Giants.

The problem with the seven time pro bowler is his salary and position. Mangold’s spot is currently

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occupied by Weston Richburg. Richburg, at only 25, was Pro Football Focus’ number one ranked center after the 2016 season. Richburg has played an elite level and Mangold wouldn’t be an upgrade.

Although the position of tackle wouldn’t fit for a player that has never played it at the pro level, guard could be an option for the ex Jet. The Giants starting left guard, Justin Pugh, is one of the top at the position and isn’t being replaced. The Giants recently resigned right guard John Jerry and Mangold would provide a huge upgrade at that position.

However, Mangold’s potential salary could be a problem for the Giants. Mangold’s last contract, which was signed before the 2010 season, paid him $55 million over seven years.

Mangold isn’t the player he was in 2010. He might be inclined to give the Giants a discount since they can win now and he could stay put in New York. The most likely scenario is his salary would cost the Giants all of their remaining cap room. Right now there are 11 centers and 10 guards making over four million a year, which is what the Giants could afford to pay Mangold.

Moving Mangold to right guard would seem to be the most logical solution, with him also being ready if anything were to happen to Richburg. However, using up the rest of their cap on a player trying a new position could be risky.

Signing Mangold without having a player take a massive pay cut or the Giants cutting another player would result in them not being able to resign Johnathan Hankins or another free agent.

Giants fans and executives need to ask themselves who will help them win games in 2017: Nick Mangold or Jonathan Hankins.

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