... he reduces his contract demands. By a lot.
The Giants remain interested in the Falcons' disgruntled cornerback, but not to the point where they're ready to swing a deal. That's because Hall's contract demands - which come close to $10 mil a year - are just not in the ballpark as far as the Giants are concerned.
"He'd have to come way down," a league source familiar with the Giants situation told me.
That said, it's still not out of the question that Hall is dealt to the Giants. Or another team interested in his services - Washington and Dallas are in the market for a big-time corner, I'm told. It's not unusual for the player to shoot for the moon - especially with so much time remaining before the draft.
But if you've watched Giants GM Jerry Reese operate, you know by now that he plays poker as well as anyone. And he will be content to wait this one out. If the Falcons can't solicit the right trading partner - which means they'd have to agree on draft-choice or player compensation AND Hall would have to agree on a new contract - then the Giants will be a factor in a potential deal.
The best advice on this one: Stay tuned.
Comments (8)
GB-
Why in the world would the Giants be looking at CB? Webster and Ross looked strong in the playoffs to me, and the backups held up well and aren't too costly. Why not see if Webster and Ross can perform on a high level for full seasons? Maybe draft a late rounder and see if they can join the unit.
That said, I think Reese has been masterful with his moves, and nonmoves, and will happily go along with whatever he does with earned optimism. Kind of the exact opposite of how I feel about Knicks management.
Just one question, LT. Why the GB?
Thanks for the update.
What, in your opinion, is the 'ballpark' the Giants are willing to play (or pay, as it were) in regarding salary if they do trade for him?
rnargi:
I don't think they'd want to go above $5-6 mil a year. And even that might be high. The market is completely out of whack when guys like Gibril W. get $39 mil over six years.
Bob...thanks for the response.
That's where I think they're settling in as well. Quite frankly, I don't think he's a NEED right now. Sure, you we can all discuss the BPA vs positon of need theory agiain, but my opinion is better to save the cash, take the BPA at F/S S or OLB or trade down for more picks, and settle up with the guys that got them here by re-doing some of contracts.
If they pay Hall that kind of money (more than 6 per) after letting Wilson go, I could see a mutiny from the likes of Burress, Osi, Snee, O'Hara and others that haven't been 'paid'.
Thoughts?
rnargi:
I COMPLETELY agree. And not just because of the money. I think Hall's personality would not mesh well in the Giants' locker room, which is probably one of the best in terms of camaraderie I've ever seen. And I've seen a lot of them.
You're always going to get a situation where guys are gonna be ticked that others are paid higher. But when you bring someone in and pay him that kind of dough, it's dicey.
BG-
Typo on the GB thing.
And what is your feeling as to why they'd go for Hall when they seem to have a group with good potential already together?
LT:
Wasn't sure about the GB thing, since you did it twice. Thought it was a joke I wasn't getting.
I think the Giants simply like Hall's talent, and Reese's theory is that you can never have enough good corners. Despite his impressive late-season run, I'm not sure Webster has convinced the Giants he will be a consistently good cornerback, although it's tough to argue with how he rallied.
Again, if the price is right, Reese is willing to trade for Hall. Personally, I think there is a little baggage there that should give them pause. But the Giants' locker room is solid enough where Hall would not make too much of a ruckus.