Linval Joseph wants to stay with New York Giants
New York Giants defensive tackle Linval Joseph (97) against the Detroit Lions at Ford Field. Mandatory Credit: Andrew Weber-USA TODAY Sports
The New York Giants have a couple of key players set to hit free agency this offseason, and one of the biggest names is defensive tackle Linval Joseph, who could make a nice sum of money for himself this offseason. However, Joseph tweeted last night that he wants to stay with the Giants organization, “I want to be back with the Giants next year! This where it all started just want to take care of my family and put on that BLUE every Sunday.”
It’s not a surprise to hear that Joseph would like to stay with the Giants, but there’s obviously a lot more that will go into his decision than just his affinity for the team. Money will be the deciding factor at the end of the day, and I don’t think the Giants are in a position to give him nearly as much money as another team. Cullen Jenkins and second-year pro Johnathan Hankins would form a solid starting duo at the position without Joseph next season. They don’t need to pay big money to keep him around, whereas a team that really needs a DT would love to get their hands on a player of Joseph’s caliber, especially if they have issues stopping runs up the middle.
At 25 and coming off of three productive seasons, the East Carolina product will likely sign a lucrative, long-term deal this offseason, and I expect other teams to price him out of the Giants range. Still, the fact that he wants to stay with the team is great news for Giants fans, because that increases the chances- however slim they may still be- of him taking a discount in order to help the Giants keep him.
Even though Jenkins and Hankins would form a quality starting duo, the Giants would be thin at the position. They won’t overpay for him, but I’m sure Jerry Reese would like to keep him, so contract talks will be worth watching closely.