Already in March 2005, the Giants were engaged in a free agency, signed midfielder Antonio Pierce and right-hander Kareem McKenzie, two players who became their match in their triumphant Super Bowl XLII team.
After securing the two players, the Giants were not finished yet. They chased Plaxico Burress, the long, explosive wide receiver of the Steelers, and were so intent on adding him as a target for Eli Manning that Ernie Accorsi, general manager, first announced that they would stop negotiations with Burress , only to revisit the talks once he has been appointed. a new agent.
The deal was made: six years, $ 25 million. Two years later, Burress seized the winning pace to beat the undefeated Patriots in the Super Bowl.
Dave Gettleman, then head of the professional personnel department, kept a close eye on the talent around the NFL and who would best match what Tom Coughlin and the coaching staff wanted on the field. Gettleman was convinced that Burress could be a missing piece in the offensive puzzle, and he was proven to be correct in the review.
In many ways, Kenny Golladay – the best receiver in this year’s free agency class – is similar to Burress, and the Giants are certainly interested in adding Golladay to their dilapidated offense, providing Daniel Jones with the best weapon. Golladay will have many suitors and its price will increase by more than $ 20 million a year. The Giants are unlikely to fit into their salary cap, as they were only about $ 4 million below the $ 182.5 million threshold, but are expected to have as much as $ 10 million in the restructuring of Nate Solder’s contract. They would significantly increase their cap space if they could reach a multi-year contract with defensive tackle Leonard Williams, who is in the book, for the full $ 19.4 million franchise price. There are no indications that an agreement is imminent.
Gettleman may view Golladay as a player who could do for Jones what Burress did for Manning. The comparisons need to be made.
Burress joined the Giants when he was 27, after five seasons with the Steelers. He averaged 52 receptions, 4.4 touchdowns a year and 83 yards per game. He had two 1000 seasons.
Golladay is 27 years old. In his four seasons with the Lions, he averages 45.8 receptions and 5.3 touchdowns per year and 76.7 yards per game. He has two seasons of 1,000 yards.
Burress stood 6 feet 5 and gave a long target. Golladay is 6 feet-4.
One caveat with Golladay: He was limited to only five games in 2020 with a hip injury. However, he needs to be completely healed and will make money soon. The Giants are likely to bid for his services. But you never know.