Big Blue Makes a Big Move: Will Beatty Inks 5-Year Deal

Eli Manning will be able to breath a little easier come next season, since he will be familiar with the man responsible for protecting his blind side. 

According to multiple sources, including Adam Schefter of ESPN, the New York Giants have locked up left tackle Will Beatty to a five-year, $38.75 million deal with $19 million guaranteed. This signing takes one of the premier offensive linemen off the market and helps Big Blue take care of one of their biggest offseason projects—keeping the offensive line together.

Beatty was drafted in the second round of the 2009 draft, and has started 31 games for the Giants, including all 16 games last season. He was extremely efficient, giving up only three sacks and 22 hurries. 

The contract is a good one for the Giants, who will retain Beatty for the prime of his career. The left tackle position is becoming more and more important in the pass-heavy league, and the move makes Beatty the ninth highest-paid tackle in terms of average contract, which really puts in perspective what a nice signing this could turn out to be.

The signing will allow the Giants to focus their attention on re-signing star wide receivers Hakeem Nicks and Victor Cruz, with the latter set to become a restricted free agent in only 12 days.

General manager Jerry Reese has more work in front of him, but this signing is a step in the right direction.