6 Things the New York Giants Must Do Before Opening Day

After being drafted as a seventh-round pick in 2007, not much was expected of Ahmad Bradshaw. Since then, he has developed into a top running back in the National Football League and a main component in the Giants offense.

Unfortunately, the Giants are dangerously close to letting Bradshaw slip through their fingers as a free agent as his asking price appears too high to them. Good for the Giants, the free agent running back market is drying up, and the Giants seem to be gaining leverage.

If the Giants sign one more player before the start of the season, Ahmad Bradshaw should be that guy. That's how important he is to this franchise.

Update: Ahmad Bradshaw has agreed to a 4 year contract with the New York Giants according to a report by the Newark Star-Ledger.

6. Sign a Wide Reciever

As of know, the Giants have two very solid receivers who could develop into potential stars this upcoming season in Hakeem Nicks and Mario Manningham. But, with the Eagles recent acquisitions of Nnamdi Asomugha and Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie, two good receivers might not cut it in the NFC East. While the Giants do possess a few solid lower end receivers, such as Domenic Hixon or Devin Thomas, who has recently impressed in Training Camp, a signing must be made. The Giants have many options, they could choose to re-sign Steve Smith, a reliable possession receiver who won't break the game open but definitely produces. The other options remain relatively slim, but there are people out there suggesting the Giants to make a play for a free agent receiver like Malcom Floyd after recently missing out on Plaxico Burress, a former Giant. Either way, the wide receiver position is a little thin right now, and a signing there would really boost the Giant offence.

5. Sign Prince Amukamara to His Rookie Contract

When Prince Amukamara fell to the Giants at number 19 in the 2011 NFL Draft, they immediately jumped at the opportunity to make him a part of the already formidable Giant defence. With two established cornerbacks already on the roster in Terrell Thomas and Corey Webster, adding Amukamara to the mix makes this one of the strongest secondaries in the NFL. Unfortunately, Amukamara is the only Giant rookie yet to agree to contract terms with the G-Men, and the Giants must get him into camp and training as soon as possible. It is already hard enough for a rookie to adjust to the National Football League, and with an already shortened off-season, every day counts. If the Giants can sign Amukamara in the near future, the fans of Big Blue should expect to see some big things from the NFL ready cornerback.

4. Re-Sign Kevin Boss

Since being a fifth round pick out of Western Oregon, Kevin Boss has developed into a very solid Tight End and target for Eli Manning. As of right now, the Giants lack a true receiving Tight End, something that has proved to be very valuable for Eli Manning in the past years. Travis Beckum has failed to turn into the receiving threat many had hoped when he was drafted, and Bear Pascoe, while being a very solid blocker, lacks the receiving ability that Boss has. Having Kevin Boss added to the Giant offence would help solidify an already impressive passing attack, and another target for the 100 million dollar arm of quarterback Eli Manning.

Update: According to various reports, the Giants have signed former Cardinals TE Ben Patrick to a one year contract.

3. Make Steve Weatherford the Starting Punter

The Giants will forever remember the image of Matt Dodge failing to succeed to the simple task of kicking the football out of bounds against the Eagles this past season, allowing DeSean Jackson to return the punt to the house and for the Eagles to win 38-31. These inconsistencies were not a one time thing though, as Dodge, who is blessed with incredible leg strength, struggled with consistency through out the year. Enter Steve Weatherford. Weatherford, the starter for the New York Jets last season, tied the record for most punts inside the 20-yard line in a single season with 42. Weatherford also held kicks for the Jets last year, so the Giants could use him and cut Sage Rosenfels, the current backup quarterback and holder loose after signing David Carr early on Sunday. Since he was a Jet, Weatherford should have no trouble adjusting to the New York media or the New Meadowlands, and while it is still considered a training camp position battle, the Giants must name Steve Weatherford the starting punter and let Matt Dodge loose before another Meltdown at the Meadowlands.

2. Sort out the Osi Umenyiora Deal

Osi Umenyoira has been part of the much feared Giants defensive line for the past 7 seasons, and letting him go now would be a huge mistake. With 11.5 sacks last year, Umenyiora is still a very much a force to be reckoned with, and paired with Justin Tuck, Jason Pierre-Paul, and Mathias Kiwanuka, the Giants have developed the most feared pass rush in the NFL. Unfortunately, Umenyiora was a holdout the first day of camp, and while reporting to camp Sunday, he is still reportedly unhappy. He claims that GM Jerry Reese promised him a new contract in 2008 if he continued to play at a high level in two years and pay him like a top-five defensive end, which he has yet to do. Whether or not Reese did promise Umenyiora that, he deserves it, and before this gets any worse, the Giants must give Umenyiora a contract he has earned through his many years with Big Blue.

Update: The New York Giants have given permission to the agent of Osi Umenyiora to work out a trade for the two time Pro Bowl defensive end, a league source told ESPN's Sal Paolantonio. The Giants are likely seeking a 1st round pick in return.

1. Re-Sign Ahmad Bradshaw

After being drafted as a seventh-round pick in 2007, not much was expected of Ahmad Bradshaw. Since then, he has developed into a top running back in the National Football League and a main component in the Giants offense.

Unfortunately, the Giants are dangerously close to letting Bradshaw slip through their fingers as a free agent as his asking price appears too high to them. Good for the Giants, the free agent running back market is drying up, and the Giants seem to be gaining leverage.

If the Giants sign one more player before the start of the season, Ahmad Bradshaw should be that guy. That's how important he is to this franchise.

Update: Ahmad Bradshaw has agreed to a 4 year, 18 million dollar (9 million guaranteed) contract with the New York Giants according to a report by the Newark Star-Ledger.