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Michael:
What is the status of WR Steve Smith? Any hope of his return?
Dear Kathy:
Steve Smith remains a free agent. The Giants have been communicating with him, as have some his teammates (Eli Manning and Terrell Thomas both said today they have talked to Smith). No one questions his talent or his importance to the Giants. But Smith underwent serious knee surgery late last season and might not be ready to play yet. If he can't, the Giants would need to figure out when he might play and structure a contract based on his potential availability. Everybody wants Steve Smith back. But injuries have a way of complicating matters in the NFL.
Michael:
I am, just like many other NFL fans, debating the upcoming season with many of my friends. I mentioned at work today that I believe the Giants have the right talent to be best young receiving corps in the NFL, a force just as potent as Green Bay's or better. What are your thoughts of my opinion?Dear Christian:
I don't like to compare one team's group with another, but I do think the Giants' receivers are too lightly regarded. Some people seemed to think last week that they desperately needed to sign Plaxico Burress. I disagree. Hakeem Nicks is a dynamic receiver who has a chance to blossom into one of the league's best this season. Mario Manningham made several big plays late last season. Domenik Hixon looks terrific after missing last year following knee surgery. Devin Thomas and Michael Clayton are solid veterans and Jerrel Jernigan, a third-round draft choice, is quickly learning the offense. It seems to me it's a very good group of wideouts. Now if we could re-sign Steve Smith and get him healthy…
Michael:
The Giants did not sign an offensive tackle free agent with at least a few years of excellent performance. Does the Giants staff think they have the depth and experience at OT with the skills and demonstrated ability for run blocking and pass protection needed for this position?Dear Angelo:
Actually, the Giants did sign a tackle – today – when they added Stacy Andrews, brother of former Giant Shawn. He can play tackle and guard. The Giants wanted to improve their depth, but they were hardly desperate at the position. They drafted Will Beatty on the second round two years ago with the idea that he would one day be the team's left tackle. That time has come. And the very solid Kareem McKenzie is on the right side.
And to the many of you who wrote in about Prince Amukamara:
No, he hasn't signed. I haven't spoken to him, but obviously he has not received a contract offer he is willing to accept. Your guess is as good as mine as to when he might sign and report. By sitting out, he is missing very, very valuable time, especially in light of the fact that he had no spring learning period, including a rookie minicamp.
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