New York Giants: Whatever it takes to re-sign Landon Collins

The Giants have several options at their disposal to keep Landon Collins.

Option 1 – Franchise Tag

The Giants can slap a franchise tag on Collins. It means he gets a one year contract for an average of the top three salaries at his position which would be somewhere between $11M-$12M. At times it can be a controversial move. Collins himself has had mixed opinions about it.

In November, he told Ralph Vacchiano of SNY that he doesn’t want to be franchise tagged.

"“Honestly, I don’t want it,” Collins said. “I know what type of player I am. I’m going to bring forth hard work, talent, play-making abilities to the game each and every week. Why would I want to play under a one-year deal? If something happens I’m not guaranteed. And even though I’m guaranteed that for a year, I’m still not guaranteed.”"

Then on New Year’s Eve, he reversed field. The New York Post reported he would play under the franchise tag.

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"“Would I play on it?’’ Collins said, referring to the franchise tag. “I’ve got no choice. But it’s not a big concern of mine. I know what I’m capable of. Hopefully we work something out before that. If not, the franchise it is. I’ve just got to continue proving myself.’’"

Option Two – Transition Tag

Patricia Tania of Forbes Magazine had a fantastic article on December 24, 2018, about why the Giants should place a transition tag on Collins. Basically, under that designation, the Giants would have the option to match any offer Collins receives from another team. If he goes unsigned, he would play for just under $9M next season.

Option Three – A New Contract

Collins wants to stay a G-Man so he might take a little less to stick around. Gettleman needs to cut through all the procedural garbage and sign the safety. A four or five year deal at $10M or so would get it done. The question is: with limited cap space, do the Giants want to make that kind of commitment?

Whichever option the Giants choose to pursue, the matter needs to be handled efficiently and quietly. If the state of negotiations goes public, it could get messy. The last thing the New York Giants need is an Earl Thomas – Seahawks debocle.