New York Giants Bring in Two More Players for Visits

 

The New York Giants might have limited cap space but that hasn’t stopped them from going shopping in free agency. They have already signed Josh Brown, Cullen Jenkins, Ryan Mundy and Aaron Ross. They also re-signed Keith Rivers to help bolster their linebacking corps. It also appears the Giants aren’t done shopping.

Yesterday, the Giants brought in linebacker Jasper Brinkley for a visit. Today, it is linebacker Dan Connor and wide receiver Louis Murphy’s turn.

Connor, 27, was recently released by the Dallas Cowboys. He appeared in 14 games and recorded 57 tackles last season. He could be looked at as a possible replacement for Chase Blackburn. Connor has already drawn interest from the Oakland Raiders and had a visit with them earlier this week. At this point in his career Connor, who played the first four years of his career with the Carolina Panthers, is a nice depth piece who can fill in ably as a starter. However, given his health history and the fact he hasn’t lived up to the expectations that come with being a first round pick, it is doubtful he will find big money on the open market.

Murphy is an intriguing option. He spent last season with the Panthers after spending the first three years of his career with the Raiders who took him with their fourth round pick in the 2009 NFL Draft. Last season Murphy had 25 catches for 336 yards and one touchdown. His best season came with the Raiders in 2010 when he had 41 catches for 609 yards and two touchdowns. Murphy could be a nice depth piece at wide receiver. He also lined up at tight end last year for the Panthers on certain plays. However, with Domenik Hixon and Ramses Barden shopping their services on the open market and Victor Cruz a restricted free agent, the Giants only have Hakeem Nicks and Rueben Randle as experienced receivers guaranteed to come back next season.

Murphy would be a capable replacement for Hixon should he leave. A receiving corps of Nicks, Cruz, Randle and Murphy would be a very nice group for Eli Manning to throw to.

The Giants are shopping, even if they are in the bargain bin and searching for the best fits for the price. Assuming the money matches for both sides, adding Murphy could be a boost to the offense that has already lost their starting tight end, Martellus Bennett and the release of last year’s starting running back, Ahmad Bradshaw.