The 2019 NFL Combine in Indianapolis, Indiana entered its third day on Friday and to say it was a busy one would be an understatement.
From the on-field workouts to the press conferences with prospects, and from the trade rumors to signings across the league there was a whole lot going on. And for the most part, the New York Giants were at the center of it.
There is a lot to recap, so buckle up and then catch up.
Giants trying to trade Olivier Vernon
It appears likely that outside linebacker Olivier Vernon has played his last down in a Giants uniform.
Reports surfaced on Friday that the Giants have openly discussed trading the 2018 Pro Bowler, while some reporters have suggested they’ve already fielded some calls. Whatever the case may be, general manager Dave Gettleman is trending towards getting rid of Vernon one way or another.
If the Giants were to trade or release Vernon prior to June 1, they would absorb a dead cap hit of $8 million in 2019, saving a total of $11.5 million. However, if they were to trade or release Vernon post-June 1, the dead cap hit would account for just $4 million with a total savings of $15.5 million.
Landon Collins will hold out if franchised
Remember these words from Giants safety Landon Collins?
“Would I play on it? I mean, I got no choice to play on it. It’s not a big concern of mine,” Collins told reporters in late December. “I know what I’m capable of. I think we’ll work something out before that. If not, franchise it is. Just got to continue proving myself as my worth.”
Well, throw them out the window because they mean nothing now. If the Giants franchise Collins, he not only intends to hold out, but may very well hold out until the week leading up to the regular season.
Ralph Vacchiano of SNY.tv was the first with the report.
There is a chance that if Collins is given the tag, he won’t sign it, possibly even until the start of the regular season. According to a source familiar with Collins’ situation, he has no interest in playing a season under the tag and definitely wouldn’t sign it until after the offseason workout program and spring mini-camps.
It’s even possible he could do what Seattle Seahawks safety Earl Thomas did last year when he was trying to get a new contract. Thomas didn’t report to the ‘Hawks until Sept. 5 – four days before Opening Day.
Kerry Wynn expected to be in high demand
The Giants want Kerry Wynn back, and he wants to return. That all sounds good, right? The sidebar is that Wynn is seeking a multi-year contract this time around and, apparently, more than a handful of teams are willing to give it to him.
“The Giants defensive end and special teams standout is expected to have a much deeper market this year that should lead to a multi-year contract, according to a source familiar with the situation,” wrote NJ.com’s Ryan Dunleavy. “The market includes the Giants, who are interested in retaining the 28-year-old Wynn for more than just one year, the source said.”
The Giants have several weeks to work out a deal with Wynn before he hits the open market, so they do have the upper-hand. However, if they lollygag and Wynn manages to become a free agent, his price may go up.
Dwayne Haskins still dreaming of blue
Ohio State quarterback Dwayne Haskins has never been shy about his Giants fandom and his desire to play in East Rutherford. That continued on Friday.
“Growing up in New Jersey, I grew up a Giants fan, so it would be a dream come true going back home where my family is and play for that great franchise,’’ Haskins said Friday at the NFL scouting combine. “There are a lot of really great skill players, so either way it happens throughout this process, I’m just going to be happy to be in the NFL. New York, of course, would be a great spot for me.’’
Haskins was poised, mature and confident while being hammered by the media, which might be the greatest quality he’s displayed at this point. After all, if he does end up playing in New York, he’ll need all of that in order to be able to survive both the good and the bad.
