They're talking free agency this time. What's interesting here is how much they all want Linderbaum back. They acknowledge he's coming off a poor year by his standards, but they don't appear discouraged by it and rave about his intangibles, what he means to the locker room, and how he exemplifies everything the Ravens stand for.
But then later they display an alarming PFF graphic that shows Linderbaum had the 31st ranked pressure rate among centers (and our very own JMS as ranked 16th). And when they show the PFF pressure rate stats for the rest of the line it's not much better.
They also talk about how the Ravens operate when it comes to their priority free agents, referencing deals with Ronnie Stanley and Mark Andrews and how they came to fruition. So it's all quite relevant to John Harbaugh and the Giants despite its focus on the Ravens.
The Vault--Bobby and Sarah - (
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This has me thinking the prudent move is to stick with JMS through his contract year and develop Mbow behind him. Then revisit it next year based on what you saw from the two in 2026.
DeCosta told “The Inner Circle” podcast, featuring Todd France, “I don’t get as involved with free agency so I’m not gonna spend as much time… we don’t spend a lot of money in free agency, as Todd knows, that’s why he always hated the Baltimore Ravens. We’ve never been a free agency team. We’re a draft and develop team.”
Eric DeCosta Sends Ravens Worrying Free Agency Message - ( New Window )
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I feel like some aren't realizing quite yet the Giants will want to reshape this offensive line to fit their philosophy. Eluemunor did well in pass pro this past year overall, but he is not a good run blocker. They may opt for even someone like Braden Smith from Indy who fits better.
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And there are a lot of people that want the Giants to bring in Faalele
I am not saying this is really an apples to apples comparison, but Reeves was a pretty successful coach before he got here and in his first year here he was pretty good with the last regime players, but when he started making this place the NJ Broncos it did not work out so well. I know everyone likes to get guys they know and comfortable with but I would suggest we look at plenty of options to improve our OL.
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before he played in between those two particular guards.
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And there are a lot of people that want the Giants to bring in Faalele
Exactly. My main worry is while everything else gets better it’s once again undone by putrid OL play
That said, if there IS a player in the class I’m taking a risk on, it is Lindy.
He’ll command $20m a year and the bidding war may make it $22m.
Obviously you can structure it so his year 1 hit is low. Assuming it will be a 4 year deal, it can be very manageable (like an $8M hit in year 1). With the Giants cap space in 2027 and beyond, this should be no issue.
Your “27 and under” offensive core is now
Dart/Nabers/Thomas/Linderbaum/Skatt/Theo.
That could work…
Coaches that have been successful with a new team usually bring in their guys. If Linderbaum is a Harbaugh guy they should bring him in to help with the transition. He may not be an on field upgrade but he could bring more to the table.
I am not a fan of JMS but he is under contract so I’d be hesitant to pay another guy after using a high pick on JMS but it is what it is. We will know soon enough.
Linderbaum's a UFA. You either sign him now, re-sign JMS next year or you're hunting for a new starting C in less than 365 days.
If Linderbaum's the C they want moving forward, they should sign him.