Giant Shakeup

Reports are sufacing that the Giants have released offensive tackle Luke Petitgout and linebackers Carlos Emmons and LaVar Arrington. As a loyal Giants fan, I have to ask why. It is no surprise that the Giants were expected to cut ties with the veteran Emmons, but letting go of Arrington and Petitgout is puzzling. Both had several years left on their contract and were expected to play big roles in the 2007 season. In terms of saving money, as most veterans become "cap casualties, the moves don't free up too much money. In fact, if my research is correct, it will actually cost the Giants $1.6 million to release Arrington.

Think you have theories about why the Giants collapsed in 2006? If you ask New York Sports shock jock Max Kellerman, he'll be glad to tell you it was the injury to Petitgout. I can't wait to hear what he has to say on this topic during his daily radio show tomorrow. Say what you want about his past issues with false starts, he's been rock solid protecting Giants quarterbacks blind sides since they drafted him. One of last year's fourth round selections, tackle Guy Whimper, does not seem ready to fill the void. As for Arrington, it seems that bringing in blitzing Steve Spagnuolo to run the defense perfectly fit his skill set. All reports were that he was ahead of the curve in his rehab and he signed a 7 year deal in the past offseason. With the departure of Arrington and Emmons, there are huge needs at the linebacking position.

To his credit, Jerry Reese is shaking things up in his early days as GM. Unfortunately, these moves do not seem to be the ones the Giants needed. I could understand if they were trying to rebuild, but they have the talent to compete right away. I'd be curious to hear what veteran Michael Strahan has to say about these moves, a man who's time to win a ring is quickly winding down. I'm not going to sugar coat it any further, these moves seem flat out nonsensical. I'm sure the decision makers are previewed to a lot more information, but on the surface these roster changes look to really hurt Big Blue.