K.C.'s Tony Gonzalez: Plaxico's Replacement on the Giants?

As the 2008 season came to a close, something was noticeably missing from the New York Giants offense: a dangerous passing game.

And that lack was due entirely to one man's absence.

Plaxico Burress not only drew double coverages but also provided a security blanket for Eli Manning in clutch situations. When Eli was under duress, he knew in the back of his mind that he could launch the ball in the direction of Burress and come up with, at worst, an incomplete pass.

Eli Manning said it himself: Plaxico Burress made him a better player.

Without Burress this past season, Eli Manning had no one he could trust when everything was on the line. In 2009, he will need someone reliable if New York hopes to make their presence felt in the 2010 postseason.

Tony Gonzalez would provide that trusty partner that Manning needs to thrive.

At the Pro Bowl, Eli’s charismatic brother Peyton offered his thoughts on the current Chiefs tight end:

“As a quarterback, if you can’t throw to this guy, you have a problem.”

Still, many may ask how a 33-year-old could be of that much help to the Big Blue.

For 13 seasons, Tony Gonzalez has legitimized the passing game of a Kansas City team whose receiver and quarterback positions have largely been revolving doors.

This past season, with Tyler Thigpen as his quarterback, Gonzalez had 96 catches for 1058 yards and showed no signs of age.

The Giants consider themselves largely a running team, but that aspect of their game plan suffered in the absence of Burress as well.

Opponents felt comfortable using a safety at the line of scrimmage to defend N.Y.'s ground game while covering all of New York’s passing targets man to man.

With Gonzalez in the fray, opponents would undoubtedly be forced to defend him with a safety, and that would once again opening up New York’s rushing attack. Furthermore, in passing situations, opponents would have to roll coverages in the direction of Gonzalez, which should really open up the passing lanes for the youngsters Steve Smith, Mario Manningham, Domenik Hixon, and any prospective draftees.

Most rookie receivers struggle to adjust to the pro game, but that transition will surely be simplified with Gonzalez drawing attention over the middle.

So how does Gonzalez compare to other Giants trade possibilities?

Well, Gonzalez will cost approximately one third-round pick, plus a conditional draft pick in 2010, and that's a more than reasonable price.

Braylon Edwards would cost at the very least a second- and a fifth-round selection, but making him even less appetizing is the fact that Edwards is slated to be a free agent after 2009. He'd demand a new contract worth close to $9 million a year after that.

Would the Giants really be willing to invest that much money (as well as the picks) in a player who led the league in drops in 2008?

While I understand that Giants fans’ mouths are watering at the sight of just about every prospective No. 1 receiver, it’s time to really weigh the options.

Edwards is largely unproven, and as I said, would demand a plethora of picks and a new deal. Still, I'm not opposed to bringing in Braylon Edwards (in fact in a recent piece I stated that, at the right price, one of either Edwards or Gonzalez should be a Giant).

But even if Gonzalez only provides for one season, he can bring instant credibility to the red-zone offense, draw coverages that the running game and the young receivers desperately need to open up the offense, and provide Eli with a “go-to” guy.

And most importantly, he wouldn't cost a lot in terms of salary cap or draft picks.

Think about it: If it doesn’t work out, Edwards is a free agent next season and can be had without giving up picks.

And when I say “doesn’t work out,” I mean that Gonzalez doesn’t do any of the aforementioned things for the offense (though I doubt that he can’t provide at least one of those benefits for at least one season).

With a first- and early second-round pick still in hand, New York can continue to build themselves up as a defensive juggernaut by selecting a linebacker, or they can draft their future No. 1 at receiver (whose transition into the offense would be significantly easier with Gonzalez in house).

Right now, because New York “needs” a receiver, any team who enters trade talks with the Giants will have all of the leverage and can drive up the price significantly.

Cleveland already has extra draft picks because they dealt Kellen Winslow Jr., so they will charge top dollar for a deal that would leave them deprived of any real offensive weapon.

Kansas City, on the other hand, lost some of their draft picks while dealing for Matt Cassel, and will at least be looking to get some back.

Looking at how much New York can gain with the picks they keep (as opposed to dealing for Edwards or Boldin), as well as what they gain from Gonzalez, he may just be the guy New York looks for on draft day.