Nick Mangold Is On New York Giants' Radar
The New York Giants have really been pursuing former Jets players this offseason. Wide Receiver Brandon Marshall was the first one to sign with the Giants and quarterback Geno Smith joined him in East Rutherford, New Jersey a couple of weeks later. Well, looks like the Giants aren't done yet and they are going after another ex-Jets player.
According to Pat Leonard of the New York Daily News, the Giants have expressed interest in signing long-time Jets center Nick Mangold.
"Willie Colon, Mangold's retired former teammate, first floated that there are 'rumbles' of Giants interest in Mangold on ESPN radio in mid-March. The Daily News now can confirm the organization's interest in the seven-time Pro Bowler and two-time All-Pro who would bring leadership, nastiness and hunger to the line," Leonard said in his report.
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The Giants do have the cap space to sign him, but they already have Weston Richburg starting at center? Can they convince Mangold to change position? Will he accept it?
Leonard and several other pundits have pointed out that Mangold could play guard for the Giants, but ESPN's Jordan Raanan doesn't think Mangold would be interested in joining them if he was asked to change positions. "It seems highly unlikely that Mangold would be interested. He's a center. He's played center just about his entire life. By all accounts, he still wants to be a starting center," Raanan said.
It should be noted that Mangold is still playing at a high level as a center. Moving him to guard doesn't make sense right now.
Mangold has spent the first 11 years of his career playing for the Jets, and he was their longest-tenured player before they decided to release him last month. It's going to be a little strange to see him wear a different uniform next season, but at least he doesn't have to move if he signs with the Giants.
