With free agency set to open this week, the Giants.com crew discusses the best signings in team history:
John Schmeelk: The one and only answer, and it comes up every year, is Kareem McKenzie. The Giants signed McKenzie to a seven-year contract near the top of the offensive tackle market in 2005. He played out all seven years of that contract with no adjustments on it. It is exceedingly rare for a player to last for a contract of that length without any renegotiations. He did exactly what the Giants paid him to do and both sides were happy with the contract they signed. He was the starting right tackle for all seven of those seasons and missed only seven games in his Giants career. He was one of the main cogs on the offensive line for two Super Bowl championship teams as a steady pass protector and physical run blocker.
There are arguments to be made for Kerry Collins, who brought the Giants to the Super Bowl. Players such as Antonio Pierce and Antrel Rolle are also good choices, given the leadership roles they played on championship teams. Shaun O'Hara is also a good choice given the leadership he gave at center. But there's no getting past McKenzie fulfilling every year of a seven-year contract.
Dan Salomone: Where 'Trel at? Safety Antrel Rolle needs to be mentioned here, along with Plaxico Burress and Antonio Pierce, as the best signings in franchise history. Rolle never missed a game in his five years with the Giants, made two Pro Bowls with the team and, of course, was a key member of the 2011 championship squad.
Rolle lit a fire under the team on more than one occasion during that title run. Heading into the regular-season meeting with New England, he said, "I don't worry about our schedule. I feel like our schedule needs to worry about us." The Giants went out and beat the Patriots in Foxboro. More famously, he sent a broad but clear message about practicing to his teammates following a 23-10 home loss to the Redskins, which dropped the Giants to 7-7 and set up must-win games against the Jets and Cowboys. "If you're going to go out here and play the game on Sunday, you need to be out there with your men throughout the week," Rolle said. "I've been nicked up all year long."
The Giants won their next six games, including four postseason contests, by a combined score of 162-84.
Lance Medow: If the most important position in the NFL is quarterback, then how do you choose anyone other than Kerry Collins. After a shaky ending to his tenure in Carolina in 1998, Giants GM Ernie Accorsi took a chance on Collins, bringing in the veteran signal caller as Kent Graham's backup. He wound up claiming the starting job in Week 11 that season and never relinquished that role until following the 2003 season. For four-plus campaigns, Collins provided stability under center at a position that had been troubling the Giants since the Phil Simms era came to an end in the Spring of 1994.
In his first full season as the starter in 2000, Collins helped lead the Giants to Super Bowl XXXV against the Ravens. Although the loss wasn't pretty, it was an accomplishment that can't be overlooked – nor can how he helped the team make the playoffs during the 2002 season. That year, Collins set a single-season franchise record by throwing for 4,073 yards, a mark that stood until 2011 (Eli Manning, 4,933). The best numbers in Collins' 17-year career were posted when he was wearing a Giants uniform and his success is a big reason why the team reached the postseason twice in his four years as the full-time starter.
There's certainly other worthy candidates, including Plaxico Burress, Antonio Pierce and Antrel Rolle; but given the importance of the quarterback position and the issues the Giants had prior to Collins' arrival, he tops the list. Collins built the bridge between the Simms and Manning eras. He just doesn't get enough credit because there's no hardware attached to his name.
View photos of some of the most notable free agent signings in Giants history.
QB Kerry Collins: Signed by the Giants on February 19, 1999
New York Giants quarterback Kerry Collins throws a pass against the Philadelphia Eagles Saturday, Dec. 28, 2002, at Giants Stadium in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Bill Kostroun)
New York Giants quarterback Kerry Collins gets set to throw a pass during an NFL playoff game against the Minnesota Vikings Jan. 14, 2001, in East Rutherford, N.J. The Giants defeated the Vikings 41-0.
New York Giants quarterback Kerry Collins is seen in action during an NFL game against the Arizona Cardinals Oct. 10, 1999, in Glendale, Ariz.
New York Giants quarterback Kerry Collins throws a pass during the third quarter against the Indianapolis Colts in Indianapolis, Sunday, Dec. 22, 2002. Collins threw for 366 yards and four touchdowns during the Giants 44-27 win over the Colts.
New York Giants quarterback Kerry Collins scrambles for a gain December 28, 2002 at the Meadowlands. The Giants defeated the Philadelphia Eagles in overtime 10 - 7. (AP Photo / Al Messerschmidt)
New York Giants quarterback Kerry Collins fires a 32-yard touchdown pass to Amani Toomer in the fourth quarter of the Giant's 24-3 win over the Cleveland Browns Sunday, Nov. 5, 2000, in Cleveland. (AP Photo/Tony Dejak)
New York Giants quarterback Kerry Collins throws a pass during the third quarter against the Seattle Seahawks Sunday, Sept. 22, 2002, at Giants Stadium in East Rutherford, N.J. Collins completed 23 of 38 attempts for 282 yards as the Giants beat the Seahawks 9-6. (AP Photo/Bill Kostroun)
LB Antonio Pierce: Signed by the Giants on March 3, 2005
New York Giants linebacker Antonio Pierce runs an intercepted pass back on Sunday, Oct. 21, 2007, at Giants Stadium. The Giants beat the 49ers, 33-15.
New York Giants linebacker Antonio Pierce looks to make a tackle against the Oakland Raiders during a NFL football game at Giants Stadium on Sunday October 11, 2009.
Antonio Pierce stands next to Tom Brady during the Super Bowl XLII football game at University of Phoenix Stadium on Sunday, Feb. 3, 2008 in Glendale, Ariz.
New York Giants linebacker Antonio Pierce tackles Denver Broncos tight end Jeb Putzier in the second quarter of their game, Sunday, Oct. 23, 2005, at Giants Stadium.
Linebacker Antonio Pierce #58 of the New York Giants goes after fullback Mack Strong #38 of the Seattle Seahawks at Qwest Field on September 24, 2006 in Seattle, Washington. The Seahawks defeated the Giants 42-30. (AP Photo/Paul Spinelli)
New York Giants' Antonio Pierce during an NFL football game against Tampa Bay Buccaneers Sunday Sept. 27, 2009 in Tampa, Fla. (AP Photo/Chris O'Meara)
Antonio Pierce #58 of the New York Giants celebrates after making a tackle against the Atlanta Falcons on October 15, 2007 in Atlanta, Ga. The Giants defeated the Falcons 31-10. (AP Photo/G. Newman Lowrance)
OT Kareem McKenzie: Signed by the Giants on March 4, 2005
New York Giants offensive lineman Kareem McKenzie looks to block during an NFL football game against the Seattle Seahawks on Sunday October 9th, 2011 at MetLife Stadium.
New York Giants offensive lineman Kareem McKenzie blocks during an NFL football game against the New York Jets on Saturday December 24, 2011 at MetLife Stadium.
New York Giants offensive tackle Kareem McKenzie pass blocks against the Oakland Raiders during a NFL football game at Giants Stadium on Sunday October 11, 2009.
Giants offensive tackle Kareem McKenzie blocks at the line of scrimmage against the Seattle Seahawks at Giants Stadium on October 5, 2008. The Giants defeated the Seahawks 44-6.
GREEN BAY, WI - JANUARY 20: Tackle Kareem McKenzie #67 of the New York Giants blocks against the Green Bay Packers during the NFC Championship Game at Lambeau Field on January 20, 2008 in Green Bay, Wisconsin. The Giants defeated the Packers 23-20 in overtime.(AP Photo/Scott Boehm)
New York Giants offensive tackle Kareem McKenzie (67) blocks during the NFL wildcard playoff football game against the Atlanta Falcons, Sunday January 8, 2012 in East Rutherford, NJ. The Giants won the game 24-2. (AP Photo/Paul Jasienski)
New York Giants tackle Kareem McKenzie (67) blocks during the NFL week 2 football game against the St. Louis Rams on Monday, September 19, 2011 in East Rutherford, New Jersey. The Giants won the game 28-16. (AP Photo/Paul Spinelli)
C Shaun O'Hara: Signed by the Giants on March 7, 2004
Giants center Shaun O'Hara runs against the Cincinnati Bengals on December 26, 2004 at Paul Brown Stadium.
Giants center Shaun O'Hara blocks against the Packers during the NFC Championship Game at Lambeau Field on January 20, 2008. The Giants defeated the Packers 23-20 in overtime.
Giants center Shaun O'Hara gets ready to snap the football at the line of scrimmage against the 49ers at Giants Stadium on October 21, 2007. The Giants defeated the 49ers 33-15.
New York Giants quarterback Eli Manning (10), right, celebrates a touchdown pass with New York Giants center Shaun O'Hara (60) in the second quarter of an NFL football game against the San Diego Chargers, Sunday, Oct. 11, 2009 in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Bill Kostroun)
Giants center Shaun O'Hara calls out blocking assignments against the Atlanta Falcons on October 15, 2007 in Atlanta, Ga. The Giants defeated the Falcons 31-10.
New York Giants running back Brandon Jacobs (27) follows corner Shaun O'Hara (60) during an NFL football game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers Sunday Sept. 27, 2009, in Tampa, Fla. (AP Photo/Brian Blanco)
GLENDALE, AZ - FEBRUARY 3: Plaxico Burress #17 of the New York Giants celebrates with teammate Shaun O'Hara #60 against the New England Patriots during Super Bowl XLII at University of Phoenix Stadium on February 3, 2008 in Glendale, AZ. The Giants defeated the Patriots 17-14. (AP Photo/Tom Hauck)
WR Plaxico Burress: Signed by the Giants on March 17, 2005
Giants WR Plaxico Burress scores a touchdown in the fourth quarter during the Super Bowl XLII football game against the New England Patriots at University of Phoenix Stadium on Sunday, Feb. 3, 2008 in Glendale, Ariz.
Giants wide receiver Plaxico Burress pulls in a 50-yard touchdown pass in the first quarter of their football game against the Cowboys in Irving, Texas, Monday, Oct. 23, 2006.
New York Giants receiver Plaxico Burress (17) celebrates after scoring the winning touchdown in the fourth quarter of the Giants' 17-14 win over the New England Patriots during the Super Bowl XLII football game at University of Phoenix Stadium on Sunday, Feb. 3, 2008 in Glendale, Ariz. (AP Photo/David Duprey)
Giants WR Plaxico Burress runs for a 31-yard pass completion in the fourth quarter of a football game, Sunday, Dec. 9, 2007, in Philadelphia. The Giants won 16-13.
Pittsburgh Steelers cornerback Ike Taylor (24) closes in as New York Giants wide receiver Plaxico Burress (17) turns upfield after making a reception during the fourth quarter of an NFL football game Sunday, Oct. 26, 2008, in Pittsburgh. New York won 21-14.(AP Photo/Don Wright)
New York Giants wide receiver Plaxico Burress pulls down a touchdown pass in the first quarter as Philadelphia Eagles cornerback Lito Sheppard looks on during the NFL wild card football game in Philadelphia Sunday, Jan. 7, 2007. (AP Photo/George Widman)
Giants WR Plaxico Burress is pushed out of bounds after a catch against the Panthers in Charlotte, N.C., Sunday, Dec. 10, 2006.
S Antrel Rolle: Signed by the Giants on March 5, 2010
Giants safety Antrel Rolle runs in pursuit during an NFL game against the Seattle Seahawks on Sunday, November 9, 2014.
Giants safety Antrel Rolle reacts during the second half of an NFL football game against the Philadelphia Eagles Sunday, Oct. 6, 2013, in East Rutherford, N.J.
GREEN BAY, WI - JANUARY 15: Antrel Rolle #26 of the New York Giants walks runs with the football against the Green Bay Packers during their NFC Divisional playoff game at Lambeau Field on January 15, 2012 in Green Bay, Wisconsin. The Giants defeated the Packers 37-20. (AP Photo/Scott Boehm)
Giants S Antrel Rolle recovers the ball in the first half of an NFL football game against the Seahawks, Sunday, Nov. 9, 2014, in Seattle.
Giants safety Antrel Rolle lines up during an NFL football game against the Philadelphia Eagles on Sunday November 20, 2011 at MetLife Stadium.
New York Giants strong safety Antrel Rolle (26) runs the ball after an interception during an NFL football game against the Washington Redskins at FedEx Field on Thursday, September 25, 2014 in Landover, Maryland. New York won 45-14. (AP Photo/Aaron M. Sprecher)
New York Giants strong safety Antrel Rolle (26) intercepts a pass intended for Philadelphia Eagles running back Darren Sproles (43) during the first half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Oct. 12, 2014, in Philadelphia. (AP Photo/Michael Perez)
C Bart Oates: Signed by the Giants on August 29, 1985
New York Giants quarterback Phil Simms (11) calls signals under center Bart Oates (65) during a 17 - 10 victory over the Minnesota Vikings in the 1993 NFC Wild Card Playoff Game on Jan. 9, 1994 at Giants Stadium in East Rutherford, NJ. (Al Messerschmidt via AP)
New York Giants quarterback Phil Simms (11) gets set to take the snap from Giants center Bart Oates (65) during the NFL football game against the St. Louis Cardinals on December 14, 1986 in East Rutherford, New Jersey. The Giants won the game 27-7. (AP Photo/Paul Spinelli)
New York Giants quarterback Phil Simms (11) calls signals under center Bart Oates (65) during a 21 - 0 loss to the Chicago Bears in the 1985 NFC Divisional Playoff Game on Jan. 5, 1986 at Soldier Field in Chicago. (Al Messerschmidt via AP)
NFC center Bart Oates (65) of the New York Giants sets to snap the football during the NFC's 21-15 victory over the AFC in the 1992 NFL Pro Bowl played on February 2, 1992 at Aloha Stadium in Honolulu, Hawaii. (AP Photo / Al Messerschmidt)
