One of the more problematic positions for the New York Giants is at center, as Jon Halapio simply couldn’t remain healthy and develop into a long-term option. Many believed general manager Dave Gettleman would allocate a draft pick toward bolstering the position, but he seems more likely to install a position battle to see how things shake out.
Currently, the Giants have Nick Gates, Spencer Pulley, Shane Lemieux, and Halapio vying for the starting job, the problem is, none of them are consistent or have proven to be dependable starters. Gates showed immense potential at right tackle and right guard supplementing injuries in 2019, but he’s never taken a snap at the center position. He has been working this off-season to develop that side of his game, but until he takes a live rep, we won’t know if he’s capable or not.
That is where former Seattle Seahawk Justin Britt enters the frame. Britt is coming off a torn ACL, and the Seahawks decided to let him go due to his $11 million salary hit in 2020.
Nonetheless, it opens up an opportunity for the Giants to land him on a “prove it” deal coming off a significant injury. Britt was drafted out of Missouri in 2014, and he started in 86 games over six seasons with Seattle. He actually opened his career at right tackle and then transferred to guard, but he started 54 games at the center position following his inability to lock down either of his previous spots.
For the Giants, Britt would be an instant upgrade if his ACL injury doesn’t significantly affect his play. Plenty of players have returned to full form and had successful careers, and Britt seems to be ready and able to compete.
I like the idea of bringing in a seasoned veteran with proven ability. Offering him an incentive-laden contract that allows management to cut him with little dead cap is a positive move that could contribute toward a successful season at the center position. Right now, we cannot guarantee it will be a spot of strength, and the Giants would be smart to add more experienced competition.