New York Giants interested in Brian De La Puente
New Orleans Saints quarterback Drew Brees (9) at the line of scrimmage with center Brian de la Puente (60) during the game against the Dallas Cowboys at Cowboys Stadium. The Saints beat the Cowboys 34-31 in overtime. Mandatory Credit: Tim Heitman-USA TODAY Sports
New Orleans Saints center Brian De La Puente is the best player at the position on the open market, and it isn’t surprising to hear Ralph Vacchiano of the New York Daily News report that the New York Giants have interest in the 28-year-old California product. Although the Giants have not released center David Baas, Vacchiano reports that it’s still unclear as to whether or not the veteran will accept a paycut.
I doubt Baas will accept less pay to remain with the Giants, whereas fellow interior offensive lineman Chris Snee will. Snee obviously wants to continue playing with the Giants, and his salary is even more bloated than Baas’s. He’s also the better player, and I think the Giants really need to cut their losses and get rid of Baas regardless of whether or not he is open to a paycut. The Giants biggest position of need this offseason is on the offensive line, and their interior is old, injury-prone, and overrated; they got no push in the running game and caused Eli Manning to take a ridiculous beating.
De La Puente would be a very nice, much-needed upgrade for the Giants offensive line, and he rarely allowed Drew Brees to face pressure over the past few seasons. It’s time for the Giants to add a stabilizing presence in pass pro at center, especially if De La Puente is affordable. Baas’s best days are over, and I doubt he’s willing to take a paycut either.