New York Giants: 5 internal free agents to keep and 5 to let walk away
By Ed Stein
Number 5
Go – Michael Thomas, S, UFA (30, $2M)
The veteran safety played in all 16 games for Big Blue last year. As a matter of fact, he hasn’t missed a game since joining the team in 2018, starting in eight of them. His results are somewhere around a “C” at best. Michael Thomas hasn’t been a bad player, but at the same time he doesn’t stand out very often either. When watching or listening to Giants games, his name didn’t get called much.
There are a few things going against Thomas. First, the defense, as a whole, is in the middle of a big change over in personnel. At 30-years-old, he’s played long enough for the Giants to know he won’t be an impact player. His roster spot is better served by someone younger. Additionally, there is no way Thomas gets more than the $2M he made last year and it’s unlikely he comes back to the team with a big cut in salary
Stay – Elijhaa Penny, FB, RFA (27, $645K)
There are certain things that go out of style. In the modern air it out offenses used now, true fullbacks have gone the way of Pet Rocks, The Lindy, and dinosaurs. However, there is always a use for talent. At 6-2, 232-pounds, Penny is a defender’s nightmare when lead blocking out of the backfield, especially in short-yardage situations.
In addition, his pass blocking skills are pretty good too. No one is going to confuse tight end Evan Engram of being a solid blocker. Being able to rely on Penny to pick up oncoming rushers has to take a little bit off quarterback Daniel Jones‘ mind. Not only does Elijhaa Penny need to come back, but the coaching staff should also find a way to increase his role.