The New York Giants want Justin Tuck back in 2014, but they're willing to let him test the open market.
New York Giants defensive end Justin Tuck will hit the open market in March, and the team will let him test it, according to general manager Jerry Reese. Speaking at the NFL Scouting Combine on Saturday, Reese said that Tuck is "going to go to the market and see what's out there for him."
Along with Tuck, Reese talked about wide receiver Hakeem Nicks as well, suggesting he was going to go out and seek the best deal for himself as well. "I had talks with all those (pending free agents)," Reese said, "Free agency means free agency. It means you go out and get as much as you can."
Reese did add that the Giants would "love to have him back," but that he's "all for" players getting as much as any team thinks they happen to be worth on the open market.
New York is projected to have a decent amount of cap room to work with, with around $20 million available. Unfortunately, they won't have a whole lot to allocate to the big-name free agents, with 21 players on expiring contracts. There's room to free up space with a potential restructuring of Eli Manning's contract, or even that of offensive lineman Chris Snee.
Tuck, a 10-year NFL veteran, has been consistent for much of his career. He's had some injury issues over the past couple seasons, but played in all 16 games this past year, putting up 63 tackles, two forced fumbles, the second interception of his career and 11 sacks. That's the fourth time in his career that he's put up double-digit sacks from the defensive end position.
At 30 years old, Tuck still figures to have a few productive seasons left in him. He'll surely be pursuing a long-term contract and the Giants probably would like him back. It's possible New York thinks he won't see the kind of money he's likely after and are banking on him coming back to the team on a more cap-friendly deal. Tuck's previous deal paid him $31 million over five years, with a $4.5 million base salary this past season.