NFL Free Agents 2012: New York Giants' Options for Replacing Brandon Jacobs

The New York Giants lost a franchise stalwart when Brandon Jacobs signed with the San Francisco 49ers, but the G-Men have some solid options when it comes to replacing the departed running back.

Ahmad Bradshaw will be the starter in 2012, but Da'Rel Scott and D.J. Ware are the only real options on the depth chart behind the oft-injured top back on the team. That means the Giants will have to add a legitimate back at some point before training camp.

Some had suggested the team should swing a trade for Jonathan Stewart from the Carolina Panthers, but that is unlikely. One major problem is that Stewart is heading into the final year of his contract. With young players like Victor Cruz, Hakeem Nicks and Jason Pierre-Paul needing new deals soon, it would be pointless to snag Stewart for just a year, then have to pony up serious money to retain him. 

There are some names on the free-agent market that could come cheap and provide experience that would make them solid No. 2 options for the Giants. Ryan Grant, Cedric Benson, Joseph Addai and Ronnie Brown are all free agents. While none of those guys would be a good option as a starter anymore, they would be excellent backups. All four guys can pass block and catch the ball out of the backfield, and they can all chew up solid yards between the tackles.

If New York decides not to take a flyer on a veteran back, it could decide to draft one. Guys like Boise State's Doug Martin and Virginia Tech's David Wilson both fit what the Giants try to do offensively and should be available late in the first round.

While it was hard for the Giants to let Jacobs walk after he won two championships with the organization, they are in a good position with plenty of options to replace him.