Whitfield joins Barber in Retirement

Not often does a team undergo radical changes in February, but the Giants managed to do so yesterday. On top of the release of three veterans, two more filed for retirement. The paperwork was a mere formality in the inevitable retirement of Tiki Barber, but he was joined by veteran tackle "Head-Butt" Bob Whitfield. For those keeping score at home, the Giants lost two tackles, two linebackers, and a running back in one day. Aside from cutdown days in the summer, roster shakeups rarely take on this grand a scale. Given a little more time to think about the moves, the only plausible explanation is injury concerns. All three released yesterday have battled injuries, and two are rehabbing from catastrophic setbacks.

Fortunately, the Giants now have pretty considerable cap room and should be shoppers when the Free Agency period begins March 2. Unfortunately, they now have a lot of needs. The importance of a left tackle can not be devalued, and Luke Petitgout handled the role more than capably. Many people already felt outside linebacker was a need and it becomes amplified by the losses of the two guys who opened 2006 as the two starters. Everyone expected to see Emmons out the door, but Arrington is still very puzzling. He would have only cost the Giants significant money if he played well, and if he did, I don't think anyone would care about the extra money. The move cost the Giants against the cap and will only be validated if Arrington retirement rumors hold any weight. It seems that he and Spagnuolo would have made a great pair with the new coach's aggressiveness.

Although in the immediate aftermath I've been put off by these moves, it becomes clear that Jerry Reese must have some plans. He's not going to be passive, which hopefully translates to an aggressive pursuit of free agents. With experienced talent and coming off a second consecutive playoff berth, hopefully these are not signs of rebuilding. Reporters have also been speculating that Chad Morton and Tim Carter are on their way out as well. If Morton were to be cut, it would be long overdue. He no longer can contribute offensively and proved to be woefully ineffective returning kicks. Tim Carter has proven all "measurables" theorists wrong. Let me explain. This time of year scouts are salivating over fast 40 times and excessive reps on the bench. Coming out of Auburn, Carter was a "measurables" stud. His blazing speed and impressive strength made him a coveted second round selection, but he's been a bitter disappointment in Blue. Hopefully a change of scenery wouldn't revitalize his career because it would be painful to watch him succeed after the wealth of chances he received with the Giants.

If you can say one thing definitively, it's that this offseason should get very interesting. Hopefully the Giants are gearing up for some big moves, but we'll have to wait a few more weeks to see for sure.