The 2013 season for the New York Giants is officially over in disappointing fashion. After a disastrous year, the focus now shifts to offseason moves and preparing to comeback improved in 2014. The biggest decision the team is facing right now is the future of wide receiver Hakeem Nicks and that expiring contract. While many believe Nicks is on his way out, the wide receiver is saying something different.
Nicks needed a good season. After injuries made his 2012 season very inconsistent, he needed a big year in order to be able to demand a top-dollar contract in the future. Working on the final year of his contract, Nicks failed to produce which could hurt him in the long run. The wide receiver finished with 896 yards and zero touchdowns. While the Giants in general were terrible, not recording a score hurts him big time.
Now set to become a free agent, Nicks says he is not thinking about the money. He told reporters that his decision will come down to more than the number of zeros on his pay check as he is seriously thinking about staying in New York.
"Players, coaches, the organization," Nicks said, via the Newark Star-Ledger. "That's just something I want to make sure I look at. I don't want to get myself in a situation where there's a lot going on. This organization is great stability wise. You don't want too many changes going on here. I like how they're always looking out for a player's best interest and things like that."
Nicks is not thinking about the money so much that he is not balking at the idea of getting the franchise tag for next season. A franchise tag next season would be a one-year contract worth $10 million. Nicks would likely earn more on a long-term deal, but after his recent season he might want to play it safe and take the tag.
"I'd come back and play another season," Nicks said. "I haven't really thought about it, to be honest with you. That's something my agent will break down and explain to me more. You know, I'm a football player. I want to continue to be a football player. They know that I'm here to do that."
Nicks is five years into his career and appeared more durable this season than before. He only missed one game this season which is a huge improvement. The Giants will now have to decide whether or not they want to bring Nicks back. The wide receiver had a dramatic offseason appearing to hold out during some of team OTAs. With the rise of Rueben Randle, things could get interesting.
