New York Giants Offseason: Reviewing the Interior Offensive Line
By Sean Dyer
Who’s In, Who’s Out?
In: Brett Jones, D.J. Fluker, Jon Halapio, John Greco
Out: Justin Pugh, Weston Richburg, John Jerry
Let me start by saying I would love to have Justin Pugh back. Despite his injury history, he’s been the New York Giants’ best offensive lineman over the past few years and he’s great in the community. However, among the top three free agent offensive linemen (Nate Solder, Andrew Norwell, and Pugh), Big Blue will spend their money elsewhere.
Weston Richburg had moments where he looked to have the potential to be one of the league’s best centers. However, he also had some shaky moments and, of course, missed most of 2017 with a concussion.
Working against Richburg is the fact that Brett Jones can do a similar job for a fraction of the price. As a restricted free agent, the Giants can bring Jones back easier and for less money than Richburg.
John Jerry has been solid for the past two years after a rough start to his Giants career. He could be kept around for depth if New York can afford it but they could look to improve that spot. If Big Blue can’t find room for Jerry, financially, he could be a cap casualty ($2.5M savings, $1.6M dead cap).
The money that’s saved by cutting Jerry could be used towards re-signing D.J. Fluker. Fluker was a better right guard than Jerry in 2017, especially in the run game. Jerry Reese certainly didn’t do enough to improve the offensive line last offseason, but Fluker was a solid signing.
As an exclusive rights free agent, Jon Halapio can easily be brought back as depth. He was decent in limited action in 2017 and will battle for a reserve spot.
Believe it or not, the Giants have already re-signed John Greco for 2018. Greco has played for head coach Pat Shurmur and offensive line coach Hal Hunter before. He will be a veteran leader who makes sure Shurmur’s voice is being heard in the offensive line room.