New York Giants defensive end Justin Tuck (91) on the sidelines during the fourth quarter against the Detroit Lions at Ford Field. Mandatory Credit: Andrew Weber-USA TODAY Sports
New York Giants veteran defensive end Justin Tuck will hit the free agent market this offseason, and the 30-year-old will have his chance at receiving one final, large payday before his decline begins. Tuck is coming off of a strong 2013 season, as he recorded 63 tackles with 11 sacks and batted down four passes. He started to heat up as the season wore on, and his run defense was once again sublime throughout the year.
Even though Tuck will be hitting the free agent waters this offseason, the Star-Ledger’s Jordan Raanan reports that the Giants made Tuck an offer before today’s legal tampering window began, per a person “with knowledge of the situation”. Raanan also reports that the contract offer was likely given to Tuck “at some point in the past week”, but obviously a deal couldn’t be reached.
Tuck always seemed dead-set on hitting the free agent market and testing his value, and it will be interesting to see if the market values him as highly as he values himself. If the Giants aren’t ultimately able to keep Tuck, then it’s possible that former Giants DE Osi Umenyiora could become an option.