Strahan Mulling Things Over
The biggest thing being retirement, according to GM Jerry Reese. Tony Agnone, Strahan's agent, called Reese last night and informed the GM that No. 92 was considering retirement... On the eve of training camp.
Hmmm.
If Reese were skeptical of Strahan's intentions, he kept that to himself. He does want to wait and see what Strahan has to say -- and, apparently, Strahan will say something to TC later today. The coach told us that Strahan called him after 11:30 p.m. last night, which is well past the coach's camp bedtime, and asked that TC call back. TC did, left his own message, and now it's Strahan's turn.
This is not solely about money, I was told by someone close to 92. Nor is it solely about the direction the team is headed. It seems that Strahan may ben genuinely thinking about retirement and taking the Tiki Barber route to earning seven figures without having to sack anyone.
But... even a completely naive person would question the timing of Strahan's decision. He wanted more money and assurances from Reese that the Giants would try to win now rather than rebuild back in March and was rebuffed. He knows the Giants are thin at DE -- Simeon Rice, Strahan's arch-nemesis, was just released by the Bucs -- so maybe this could work. But I doubt it.
And kudos to Florio at Pro Football Talk. He nailed this one, though maybe not for the reasons he wrote. Still, give credit where it's due.
There was precious little news from the players' arrival today. WR Steve Smith signed his contract this morning, so no one else besides Ol' 92 has issues. Yet.
First-round pick Aaron Ross did tell me he's not looking to be a starter. "R.W. and Sam have done a great job, they've both been helping me and I've asked a ton of questions," Ross said. "I just want to learn and get better."
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Comments (13)
If Strahan retires things will be even worse than I imagined this year. That being said, I hope the Giants don't break the bank for him since he will be gone in 2 years time anyway.
Have to agree with you that the timing seems strange. But who really knows? Everyone thought Barry Sanders was just trying to force a trade when he retired, but it turned out he actually meant it. Perhaps Strahan's just had enough and wants to move on...or perhaps he just doesn't want to go through a full training camp. If he does retire, who do you see them going after? Is there anyone out there other than Rice? With both Osi and Tuck coming off injuries, would they consider moving Kiwanuka back to DE should Strahan retire? Or are they fully committed to keeping him there no matter what? This certainly adds some intrigue to what was shaping up to be a rather normal camp.
If he wants to retire, let him. I'm tired of these games already. I can only wish I made the money Strahan does.
What a bum
He's bluffing. He wants more money. All season he has been spouting off about how good he is and how good he feels. All of a sudden he wants to retire? I don't buy it.
He would be making more money this year if he plays than he would get in TV (4 mil vs maybe 3 mil if he is lucky. Tiki got 10 mil for 4 years).
If he was going to retire he'd be gone already. This is 100% about money, anybody who says different is lying. He got dumped for cheating, videotaping etc. His chick took half, he's old. He wants his last check bumped up.
$trahan i$ not a$ marketable a$ Tiki. Not when he flip$ out on reporter$ like he did la$t year. He i$ not a team player and want$ the Giant$ to pay for hi$ marital woe$. A$ a fan, I love him to death. However, he really sandbagged the Giant$ and thi$ cowardly act will be hi$ la$ting image. I guarantee it.
Michael, Michael, Michael.When you signed this contract you received what was a ton of $$$$$ at the time. It was front-loaded and if we can all remember, Michael was unwilling to trust the Mara's when an offer was made to split the bonus in two parts. If I remember correctly, Michael received $20 million - up front. You just can't have it both ways. A contract is an agreement. Honor yours!! If you retire, are you willing to return a prorated portion of your signing bonus????
You haven't been worthy of the money you were payed for the past two years; you're no longer the player that you were when you were given top dollar and I for one wish you well in your retirement. Your timing also speaks volulmes about the kind of person that you truly are.
PostScript--
Lawrence and Phil both had appreciation nights. The were true giants in every sense; (don't expect one for yourself)you never were nor are you now.
I'm a huge fan of Strahan's, but his absence won't hurt the team.
But it does make me wonder if the Giants will sign his arch-nemesis, Simeon Rice.
Go figure.
I'll tell you what, Ernie Accorsi would probably be the first person to tell you that Michael Strahan would have recieved more money on the open market. He is a dying breed of players that stick with the same franchise. I as a fan appreciate all that he has done. He played on some lousy lousy teams. Teams with no offense, teams with no Quarterback, teams with various coaches. He never played on a intimidating defense. He had Cedric Jones on the other side or Kenny Holmes. He played hurt, he was good against the run and good against the pass. He is a true Giant. Its unfortunate that he has had this creep up now, but he has given 15 years of his life to the Giants franchise. If he wants to retire, so be it. We are deep at DE.
As far as Palmer's critiquing of Eli. I can't see how someone would label it propoganda. The guy is widely regarded as one of the best QB coaches in the league...he did pretty good with Drew Brees and Tony Romo. His take on Eli is real. You cannot compare Eli to Peyton. They are two different QB's. Let me ask you this Joe. Which team has a better "supporting cast"? You have a young QB and you can surround him with Plax "aligator arms" Burress, Shockey, Amani Toomer, and Tiki Barber. Or he starts with Edjerain James, Dallas Clark, Marvin Harrrison, Reggie Wayne, and Brandon Stokely. I would be willing to bet that most people would take the Colts. I would. Harrison is a 1st ballot hall of famer. Dallas Clark is a good TE, Edge James was damn good in his day.
The OL of the Colts was much better than the Giants. Tarik Glenn was a Pro Bowl LT. Last I knew Pettigout never made the Pro Bowl. Jeff Saturday is pretty good too.
I think Peyton had a better "supporting cast."
It is the rare individual that can make a well-thought out, pointed and succinct response to an emotional situation. I always think it's best to wait and time has a way of providing perspective. Having had a number of hours to think the latest comments and news over, I have two thoughts:
STRAHAN SITUATION: none of us really, truly know what is said behind closed doors. The media's job is to sell papers, get eyeballs on their websites, etc. What we know to be true is that the Giant organization is not always perfect. I am a TRUE BLUE fan, but mistakes have been made in the past. Certainly, players are often at fault. net/net, the timing of this is horrible, particularly as a fan, b/c we try so hard to be optimistic. This is the time of year where hope springs eternal, where we try to filter out all the news to grasp for optimism for the upcoming season. It's hard to stomach this. I own a business. In the biz world, breakdowns are 99% of the time due to a lack of communication. Ultimately, it seems to me there has been a breakdown in communication between the new regime (Reese and his staff) and the player and his agent. Let's see where this plays out, before we condemn a man's entire career, or an entire organization. It's unpleasant, and we as fans don't deserve this - but let's face it guys - it's rare that either the organization or the players EVER think of the fans. Honest. That is why Mr. Mara and Mr. Tisch were SO SPECIAL.
ELI/SUPPORTING CAST: We saw it with the Yankees. They became great again when they balanced free agency with FINALLLLLLY keeping young players/developing their system (Jeter, Rivera, Petite, Posada, etc.) in the early 90's. The Salary Cap makes keeping young players difficult. I realize that. I'm not naive. That said, WE ARE NEW YORKERS! Let's not mince words. The giants have drafted TERRIBLE over the last 15 years. STOP, I mean STOP making excuses. Honest. Look at their first round draft choices since their last superbowl. I LOVE how they drafted after the 1st round. BUT, ya GOTTA hit on SOME of those first round picks. SERIOUSLY, THINK ABOUT THIS!!
2006 - LOVE HIM SO FAR!
2005 - Lost to Eli, so he better be GOOD!
2004 - Eli
2003 - William Joseph - UGH
2002 - Shockey - FINALLY!
2001 - Will Allen Grade B- I can't TOTALLY kill them here.
2000 - Ron Dayne - Misused, and TOTALLY not #1 material. Ugly combination again.
1999 - Petitgout - NOT, NOT, NOT a #1 pick!!!
1998 - Shaun Williams -I'll give a B here. Solid player, who could have done more. I don't fault them.
1997 - Ike Hilliard - not worthy of#1. This is about knowing how talent translates to the pro level, guys
1996 - Cedric Jones - SCHMUCKS
1995 - Tyrone Wheatley - not worthy of #1, and misused as well
1994 - Thomas Lewis - umm, let's draft a track star with our first pick from a TERRIBLE football program.
1993 - Derek Brown - I had high hopes
1992 - Jarrod Bunch - I was foooled, too
1992 - Rodney Hampton - AWESOME!
And I meant to say Superbowl Win. While I do not take for granted getting to a SB, it's easy to try to forget the one against the Ravens. My bad...
I've got an absolute no-brainer here. Granted, I've not looked into any salary cap implications, nor have I considered whether or not the other team is in need of another DE (I know they already have one very good one), but I think Strahan and maybe a 4th rounder for Lance Briggs (provided he signs long-term) benefits both sides greatly. Imagine the Bears defense plus Strahan. Then, the G-Men move Kiwanuka back to DE and are all set. As much as I've enjoyed watching Strahan as a player, he has absolutely zero leadership qualities, and constantly undermines his own coach. We're better off cutting bait. I think we should be actively looking to replace Plaxico after this season as well. Thoughts?