The New York Giants are targeting offensive fire power wherever they can get it. After signing Rashad Jennings andpursuing Brandon Pettigrew, the team is now shifting their focus to the wide receiver and kick returner position. With Hakeem Nicks not returning and uncertainty surrounding Rueben Randle, several veterans have caught New York's eyes.
The Giants were hoping to land Jacoby Jones in the second day of free agency. The team brought in the veteran wide receiver and kick returner to discuss terms, but ultimately lost out on him as Jones favored a return to the Baltimore Ravens. NFL Network's Ian Rapoport notest hat Jones was on his way to dinner with New York team officials when he decided to return to the Ravens, leaving the Giants to continue their search.
Now NJ.com is reporting the Giants are pursuing Ted Ginn Jr. as an option. The Giants reportedly offered Jones a deal higher than four years and $14.5 million so they could win Ginn over with money. The 28-year-old would be a solid No. 3 or 4 option for the year after he put up 556 yards and five touchdowns with the Carolina Panthers.
Ginn would also be an excellent addition on special teams. He averaged 23.8 yards on kick returns and 12.2 yards on punt returns. The Giants were terrible in both categories last season so Ginn would be a major upgrade in that area. Landing him could be difficult as the veteran has already visited the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and the Cleveland Browns. The Panthers are also still interested in retaining him.
The Giants appear set to replace Nicks with a veteran player. The team has not taken a look at top targets like Julian Edelman or Emmanuel Sanders. That could make Steve Smith a strong option for New York. The Panthers officially released the veteran on Thursday and after denying the idea he would retire, Smith could find his way to New York. According to ESPN.com, the Ravens are also pursuing Smith which could mean the Giants lose out on two players to Baltimore in two days.
A veteran like Jason Avant or Lance Moore could also be solid additions for the Giants. Avant has already taken a visit to the New England Patriots and would be a solid No. 3 or 4 option like Ginn. Moore was released by the Saints as a salary cap casualty. He is one of the top five receivers in Saints franchise history thanks to Drew Brees and could help out Eli Manning.
