New York Giants: Top 5 Free Agents to Target

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The New York Giant fans have football again, and their team is $6 million over the salary cap. 

The Giants brass are going to have to make some moves to find some key players at a good price, and while we are confident that the "capologists" will make all this work before kick off some fan favorite players are going to take a hit.

After the NY Giants missed the playoffs for the second season in a row, fans expect the Giants to do something that makes a difference.  One big free agent signing could be the right medicine cure that nasty taste of "greed" out of our mouths.

The biggest need for the New York Giants moving forward into the 2011 season are at middle linebacker, running back, strong side linebacker and tight end. 

It's very easy to fall into the bad habit of ranking players of importance, so this list is a recap of available free agents that could fit the system, be considered an upgrade or has the ability to make an impact for the Giants on the field now.

LB Barrett Rudd: Tackling Machine

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The NY Giants have had some of the "all-time" best middle linebackers in the game.

Sam Huff - Harry Carson - Pepper Johnson - Gary Reasons

The NY Giants have had some of the "all-time" best outside linebackers in the history of the game.

Lawrence Taylor - Brad Van Pelt - Carl Banks - Jesse Armstead

So what happened?  

The Giants have not had a game changing middle linebacker in along time.  With all due respect to Antonio Pierce (AP), who was a great field general and film junkie, he didn't have the ability to play sideline to sideline as an elite linebacker.

I like Barrett Ruud.  Four straight years of 100 tackles or more, that's impressive.  There are mixed feelings on him, however, with some Bucs fans thinking he's soft. 

I'm not sure how that's possible averaging over 100 tackles a year. With not many stellar linebackers available, Barrett Rudd is going to get paid. Maybe overpaid.

He played at Nebraska, so he can play in the cold and should be on the Giants "short list."

CB Johnathan Joseph: Tough Player Who Can Ball-Hawk

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The dreams of Nnamdi Asomughaare are probably just dreams, and no one knows if Prince can start right out of the gate?

Why should Giant fans have so many questions.  Johnathan Joseph is ready to play.  Send him a check. 

Nine interceptions in the last two years who average over 55 tackles a year.  He has a reputation has a tough player who can also ball-hawk.  

With this move, you could put a young, fast guy on the corner, moving Thomas back to the inside as the nickel where he flourishes. 

Perry Fewell plays a ton of five DB's because Thomas or Rolle can play in the box or run with receivers.

Signing Joseph will also give Prince Amukamara, the Giants first-round draft pick some one to compete with. 

They both share some of the same attributes: ball-hawk, sound fundamental tackler, good hips movement when turning and running in space with receivers. 

The Bengals still want him.  Maybe the Giants should want him more.

LB Paul Posluszny: Leaves It All on the Field

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The best "down hill" backer in free agency.  Paul Posluszny has a tie in with the Giants defensive coordinator Perry Fewell from Fewell's coaching days in Buffalo (2006 to 2009). 

Signing Posluszny would make sense in a "lock out" shortened off season.  One would expect Posluszny to hit the ground running in the Perry Fewell defense. 

"Poz" is a cold weather linebacker who played at Penn State and made a living in the Buffalo his first four years.  He made such an impact on the Bills defense he was named captain after only two years in the NFL.

Can you imagine what a 100-tackle linebacker, who can play in the cold weather would be able to do behind the very talented New York Giant defensive line.

Does he fit the system?  Yes. Perry Fewell would make sure of that.

Is he a huge upgrade over Jonathan Goff?  Maybe. 

The Giants are in need of linebacker than can play sideline to sideline. Posluszny has never been considered a linebacker with game stopping speed. However, that type of linebacker isn't available anywhere.

What does he bring to the table?  Hard nosed player with only one speed.  Loves football.  Good locker room guy who hits everything he sees.

*REPORTS HAVE POSLUSZNY GOING TO JAGS

WR Steve Smith: Best Route Runner in Football

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The best route runner in football.  Period.

I spoke to Steve a few months ago when he was in town promoting Vaseline For Men with his friend and future HOF, Michael Strahan.  Steve spoke on how the Giants have treated him like family and have given him every opportunity to rehab his knee and reach 100 percent even before the lockout was resolved.

Outside of Wes Welker, who's a better slot receiver?  Nobody.

I'll take an 85 percent Steve Smith over most of the NFL wide receivers. Steve can hurt opposing teams in so may ways, and he is a game changer which GREAT hands.

It may take him two years to become 100 percent after the injury, but he is worth it.

He is a top the short list!

**Reports have Smith getting a one-year deal from the Giants. 

DE Mathias Kiwanuka: Kiwi Can Still Play

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Simple.  Is he healthy?  If so, sign him.  

He had four sacks in three games in 2011.  Would you take 15 sacks from Kiwi when he runs with Osi, Tuck and JPP.  Sign me up.

He has been the ultimate team player, even switching positions to help the team, and this is how they repay him?  I am sure he understands the circumstances of his injury and if he can play (doctor cleared) he will give the Giants 100 percent. 

If Osi becomes a problem and is dealt, the Giants will need Kiwi more than ever.

TE Kevin Boss: Throw the Guy the Ball

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Let's focus on signing our own guys.

Kevin Boss is needed on this team.   You want more production. Call the 1986 offensive coordinator Ron Erhardt.  He is now 80 years old, and I think he could still teach Mr. "Run and Shoot" Kevin Gilbride to throw a seem pass. 

It made Mark Bavaro RAMBO. It could work for Kevin Boss. 

Seriously, enough already.  Pay the guy some money and throw him the ball.  Zack Miller from Oakland is a free agent. However, Miller is not better than Kevin Boss.

Yes, he is a reliable target because he is thrown to more. 

Jerry Reese, you know what you have to do.  Sign Boss and move on.