Despite a hefty investment in the position in recent years, it’s become crystal clear that the New York Giants intend to storm the cornerback market once free agency begins, already being linked to players like Byron Jones.
However, Jones isn’t the only veteran cornerback the Giants will be sniffing around when the new league year begins next week, as Ralph Vacchiano of SNY reports that the team also has eyes on James Bradberry.
There could be a Giants vs. Jets showdown brewing for the services of the top corners since both local teams have expressed some level of interest in free agents Byron Jones and James Bradberry, according to NFL sources. They’ve both also signaled that their interest is real and that — to a point — they are willing to spend.
It’s a good thing the Giants have the money, but are they really willing to spend it?
The 27-year-old Jones could be looking at a deal worth $17 million per season, according to some sources, while the 26-year-old Bradberry is likely to get at least $15 million per season. One source said the feeling is the Jets are more willing to meet those prices than the Giants.
Giants co-owner John Mara said earlier this year that even with $70-plus million in cap space, the team did not intend to go “hog wild” in free agency. Unfortunately for them, that definitive line in the sand may cost them more than some dollar bills as all 31 other teams are prepared to make it rain.
What the Giants think they’re saving all that money for is anyone’s guess, but it seems to fit with the team’s recent sting of curious decisions. No one in the organization seems to know if they’re coming or going, and if they simply sit on a pile of cash and do nothing with it, fans may begin to revolt.
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