Giants quick in replacing Wilson.

[Mark Thompson]

http://www.giants.com/news/eisen/story.asp?story_id=26988

Wow what a great signing, I personally think this is a great move some might say he's pushing on age wise, but think of what he can teach to safty depth chart.

Good luck at the Raiders?...............what was his name oh yeah Wilson.

[iallen2000]

In regards to Sammy Knight vs Gibril Wilson, I have to say it would be a better move to have retained the services of Wilson, simply because of the production he has had over his 4 year career. He has actually had more tackles per game than any other safety in the National Football League with 7 per game over the last 4 years.

He is young at age 26, I mean you can not beat that considering how much time he has left to play, and there is still a tremendous amount of upside with Gibril.

Sammy Knight on the other hand is a solid choice, especially looking at his accolades, but he is getting older, and I certainly agree with having a veteran in your locker room, but the issue is... Gibirl Wilson is now a seasoned veteran as well. Sammy Madison worked out last year for the G-men, but he was injured during the stretch in the playoffs. Although I am sure he was very instrumental in developing the mental state of the New York Giants Secondary during the post season.

In the end, I think the price tag with $16 million up front was to costly for the Giants who drafted him in the 5th round. I don't think they thought he would have received the deal he got during free agency. Also, I think Jerry Reese has a great idea how to assess what he needs for his team to succeed with or without impact guys in this business.

[Mark Thompson]

I agree with you Ian on the age issue, but surely having a guy that wants to be there rather than a guy pushing up the salary cap is better for all, bearing in mind i've never been paid to play unlike yourself, I find it hard that there seems to be no loyalty with some players, maybe i'm just a romantic fool and forget the NFL is a business.

I guess the long and the short of this, is that the Giants don't want to be held to ransom by anyone, I personally think they are right.

[Mark Thompson]

By the way Ian, who is your team in the NFL? and who's your favourite player? who was the guy you were going to be when you were growing up?
Hope you don't think im being nosey just interested is all.

[iallen2000]

I don't really have a favorite team or player. I typically just want to see good football, and guys making the most of their opportunities.

Growing up I wanted to be like Bruce Smith, the sack machine.

[iallen2000]

There is no doubt in my mind that Gibril Wilson wanted to stay in New York, but here is the issue. When a team drafts you in lets say 5th round or not at all, that is how they will always view, and in some cases, even state that you should be grateful that we gave you an opportunity. When in reality, that can go both ways. One could be grateful for cheap labor (considering the market value), and the other for the opportunity to prove their worth.

Most teams will look at you with that same worth as well when changing to other teams. Fortunately, it worked out in Gibril's favor. From my own experience in negotiations, I remember my agent wanted to take a deal with the Chiefs and I said no, I did not think what was being offered was respectful (yes I took some negotiations personal), so I left. On the way to the airport though, I got a phone call, and we began talking my language. It was not about the money, in some cases it is just making sure you respect what the player is bringing to the field of play.

Think about it like this, if your current employer said that we think you are worth 4 Euros an hour vs being paid closer to 50 Euros an hour, you would take that as disrespect for what it is you provide for the organization. Right?

[Mark Thompson]

Absolutely and don't get me wrong, I would have probably done the same as Gibril, but i'm looking with rose tinted glasses because i've been a Giants fan the last 22 years.
I wonder what he was offered to stay in NY?

[iallen2000]

I'm not completely sure what he was offered to stay... but I will find out.

[Mark Thompson]

That would be great Ian, onto Bruce Smith what a weapon, the Bills were some team back then, Kelly, Thomas and Smith to name just a few, I always liked Marv Levy's style of play, except when the Giants beat them in one of the worst superbowls ever.