New York Giants: 5 bold predictions for the offseason

Dec 21, 2014; Houston, TX, USA; Baltimore Ravens strong safety

(33) during the game against the Houston Texans at NRG Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports

4. The Giants will bring back a familiar face

If the Walkman can make a comeback, why can’t a former Giants player?

While I’m not betting on the Giants bringing back Plaxico Burress or Jeremy Shockey, it’s possible that a former player could be brought back. Hakeem Nicks, Ahmad Bradshaw and Osi Umenyiora – all big contributors in the team’s 2011 Super Bowl run – are free agents, and it would be interesting to see one of them wearing Giants blue again. If anything else, it would be fun and offer a bit of nostalgia.

Let’s not get carried away, though. Bradshaw’s health concerns were the reason for his original release, and Nicks will likely be re-signed by Indianapolis. Umenyiora would likely get lost on a crowded defensive line.

A more likely candidate to return to The Big Apple is safety Will Hill. Hill was with the team from 2012 until he was released last preseason due to another suspension for a violation of the NFL’s wellness policy. Hill is an immensely talented player, and he had his best season (albeit a condensed season) with the Baltimore Ravens.

Current Giants defensive coordinator Steve Spagnuolo was the secondary coach in Baltimore, so it would make sense to see Hill follow Spags to New York. However, the Ravens has said they expect Hill to be a part of their long-term plans. Hill’s recent off-field issues also work against a return to New York.

Still, I think the Giants will bring back at least one former player. Maybe Charles James or John Connor. Let’s just hope Matt Dodge isn’t brought back for a second stint.

Next: Run the dang ball!