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New York Giants Should Keep Antrel Rolle If The Price Is Right

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By @AnthonyBeers

Antrel Rolle New York Giants

John Geliebter-USA TODAY Sports

New York Giants  safety Antrel Rolle has never been afraid to speak his mind. His personality makes him a prime candidate for weekly radio spots. His quotes are often seen in newspaper headlines. But most importantly, his attributes have led him to be the captain of the Giants defense. But with Rolle’s impending free agency, many Giants fans are unsure of whether or not he’ll be back in blue in 2015. But as per usual, Rolle had something to say about it.

“I want to go back to the Giants because for the mere fact that I still feel like I have work to do,” Rolle reported to SiriusXM Radio on Tuesday. “No matter how good or bad a season may have been for myself, we’ve got one championship and I feel like that’s not enough.”

Rolle went on to explain that the business side of the NFL is unpredictable and he has no idea what will happen in the end, but in a world of contracts and high paid agents, this moment of honest truth was really cool. Many times when players don’t know what the future entails, they keep quiet, often at the instruction of their agents. In this case, Rolle explained exactly what he wanted, another title with New York.

If money is your main motive as a player that strategy is usually ill advised. This shows that Rolle’s main priority is not just about money. It’s about winning, something Giants fans are hungry to see again after two tough seasons. At age 32, Rolle did show signs of slight decline throughout 2014. At that age defensive backs usually tend to do so, but to say Rolle is headed on a downward spiral is way too presumptuous.

The Giants’ captain just did exactly what he’s always done. He spoke his mind. That type of behavior can usually get guys in trouble in the NFL, especially under a tight regime with an old school coach like Tom Coughlin. But there has always been something about Rolle that allows coaches and fans to forget that preconceived notion.

It could be his heart, hustle and swagger. But it’s also the fact that no matter what he says, he never speaks badly about a teammate or says anything negative about the Giants. He will fulfill his captain duties, but never to the point of belittling a teammate in a public spotlight. That attitude has motivated him to be a three-time Pro Bowler as well as a great leader and captain. Rolle has also never been shy about holding himself accountable after tough losses as well.

The Giants’ defense needs more leadership in 2015, and for that reason alone, the Giants should do what they can to re-sign Rolle at the right price. Yes, he’s 32 and had a few lapses in coverage in 2014, but the year prior Rolle was a Pro Bowler and a shiny spotlight in an otherwise difficult season. If the Giants want to get back to the playoffs in 2015, they could use Rolle on their roster — that’s for certain.

In his 80 games with the Giants, Rolle has started all 80 of them. He’s been the anchor to a secondary that’s had its ups and downs. But throughout all the good times and bad, Rolle was there ready to hit someone and help his team. Seriously, what more can you ask of a player?

Rolle’s comments were so honest. He wants to be a Giant. He wants to win another Super Bowl. Not many free agents will have the courage to say that to the media for the purpose of keeping money in their pocket. Maybe those players aren’t team guys. Rolle clearly is. The Giants would be smart to keep him and will likely make an effort to do so.

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