New York Giants add another competition to training camp position battles

New York Giants, DeAndre Baker
Jun 4, 2019; East Rutherford, NJ, USA; New York Giants corner back DeAndre Baker (27) stretches during mini camp at Quest Diagnostic Training Center. Mandatory Credit: Noah K. Murray-USA TODAY Sports

The New York Giants are heading into training camp next week with a bevy of position bottles ready to commence. Of course, left tackle, right tackle, and the cornerback position are all up for grabs. With DeAndre Baker still dealing with legal issues, players like Sam Beal and Darnay Holmes will have an opportunity to land a starting gig.

There’s a lot to be excited about, on both sides of the ball, with the injection of youth this off-season. Adding Andrew Thomas and Xavier McKinney, the New York Giants’ top two picks, should bring an increase in efficiency at tackle and free safety.

The New York Giants now have another spot to iron out

However, a new position has been added to the competition. With Aldrick Rosas being released on Sunday morning due to a hit-and-run incident, the Giants will now have to find a new kicker to utilize for the 2020 season. That did add Cardinals’ Chandler Catanzaro, but I wouldn’t be surprised if they brought in another kicker.

Rosas, who spent three years with the Giants, had his best campaign in 2018, which was sandwiched in between two poor performances. He hit 97% of his field goals and 96.9% of his extra points. He’s one of the best kickers in the league in earning touchbacks on kickoffs, but his poor 2019 season did not help his case.

He made just one field goal from beyond 40-yards, after hitting four from 50+ in 2018. The expectation was that he would see an increase in productivity with holder Zak DeOssie retiring. DeOssie spent most of 2019 injured.

The Giants now have to scour the free-agent market for a replacement, and Stephen Gostkowski, formerly of the New England Patriots, makes a lot of sense, despite the signing of Catanzaro. Up to this point, Gostkowski spent his entire career in New England before being cut last year due to a season-ending injury.

His career 87.4% field goal rate is impressive and shows the consistency and experience he has in the NFL. His knowledge of playing on a winning team and Super Bowl appearances also makes him incredibly capable in the postseason. While he did suffer a significant injury last season, the Giants could take a flyer on him for cheap.

Cutting Rosas will see the team $3.3 million in cap space, opening the door for a position battle at kicker. I imagine the Giants will likely bring in several options to fight it out and earn a more prevalent contract.