Ralph Vacchiano | Facebook | Twitter | Archive
EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J. -- The Giants began what looked like a fire sale last week, and many around the NFL believe that they'll open for business again on Monday morning.
When they do, will safety Landon Collins be the first to go?
The possibility exists because according to a league source, the Giants have received trade offers for the 24-year-old safety, and some believe they might be willing to move him if they receive a second-day pick (Rounds 2 and 3) in the 2019 NFL Draft. The specifics of the offers they've received so far weren't immediately available, nor was it clear whether the Giants were close to making a move. But one league source said it doesn't appear the Giants have closed the door on trading anyone before on their roster before the trading deadline on Tuesday.
That's why teams are calling about some of their best players -- including Odell Beckham Jr., who has reportedly drawn "decent offers" in trade.
But while Beckham's massive new contract makes him virtually untradeable, Collins is in a different situation. He's scheduled to be a free agent at the end of the season and there has been no apparent movement on a long-term contract extension. To keep him, the Giants would either have to give reach a lucrative, long-term deal or use the franchise tag, which will likely cost at least $12 million.
That's a lot for a team that is obviously in rebuilding mode and isn't overflowing with future cap room at the moment. So if they determine that Collins' cost is too expensive, or just that he's not part of their long-term future, it would make sense to listen to offers and see what they could receive.
"I'm just playing it day-by-day," Collins said, when asked about the possibility. "I love the Giants. They love me. You never know. It's a business. So whatever happens, happens."
On the surface, Collins seems to be exactly the kind of player the Giants would want to build around as they look toward their future. He's young and talented, and just two years ago he had a four-sack, five-interception season that put him in the conversation for NFL Defensive Player of the Year. He's also developed into one of the leaders in the locker room, something the Giants desperately seem to need.
But his future and his future intentions are somewhat murky. He did not appear to be happy last week when the Giants traded cornerback Eli Apple and defensive tackle Damon Harrison for draft picks, signaling that they were beginning to rebuild. Collins, one of the most media-friendly players on the team, didn't appear in the locker room to talk to reporters during the week and his reactions on social media made it seem like he was upset.
Asked on Sunday about those deals, Collins said, "It's big to me. I miss them guys. I love them to death. That's my brothers. But I can't control what [people in the front office] upstairs do."
And when he was asked if the potential for more trades and a "long-term rebuild" could affect his decisions if he becomes a free agent in March, Collins said, "We have to see when we get there."
March is a long time away, of course, and money often matters more than anything else in free agency. But the uncertainty of whether Collins even wants to stay around for a Giants rebuilding project could make them at least listen to what other teams are willing to send their way.