Ny giants release antonio pierce --new ram?

[richtree]

The Giants have released their middle linebacker Antonio Pierce, the defensive captain said in an e-mail this afternoon.
The Giants will announce the transaction shortly.


I can definately see Spags taking a look here. It seems Pierce wasn't accepted after the whole Plaxico thing.

He seemed to be looking out for a teammate, but is now cut.


What do you think, can he play for us on the Outside?

[richtree]

Re: Ny giants release antonio pierce --new ram?

Pierce has confirmed the news via e-mail. The move had been expected since the end of the season. Pierce, 31, was due $4.75M in 2010, and there are questions about his health due to a bulging disk neck that caused him to miss the final six games of the season. Jonathan Goff, Chase Blackburn and Bryan Kehl are internal options to replace Pierce, but the Giants will likely look outside the organization for a permanent solution.
Via Newark Star-Ledger

[AvengerRam_old]

Re: Ny giants release antonio pierce --new ram?

If he's healthy and Spags thinks he could play outside, then I'd say it could be a good fit. He's only 31, so he should have a couple of good years left in him.

[general counsel]

Re: Ny giants release antonio pierce --new ram?

I appreciate the looking out for a teamate perspective. I think its a miracle he wasnt indicted for obstruction of justice considering his actions (disposing of weapon that was used at a crime scene).

More importantly, i dont think he's that good anymore. If he's cheap enough, i wouldnt rule it out, but i doubt that a guy like that would want to go to a last place team for any reason other than money and i doubt that we would be the high bidder.

ramming speed to all

general counsel

[THOLTFAN81]

Re: Ny giants release antonio pierce --new ram?

If he passes a physical and shows us that he is still healthy i can EASILY see us signing him. He is only 31, and was Spags defensive captain throughout his years in NY. He only played 9 games last year and racked up 55 total tackles, and had a sack. He would be a nice signing if he can be healthy.

[Nick]

Re: Ny giants release antonio pierce --new ram?

If he's healthy, he'd probably be worth a look in a weak free agent crop. He'd likely be a short term upgrade at WLB until the Rams found a more preferable younger option.

[Mooselini]

Re: Ny giants release antonio pierce --new ram?

If he's healthy, he'd probably be worth a look in a weak free agent crop. He'd likely be a short term upgrade at WLB until the Rams found a more preferable younger option.

Couldn't have agreed any more. This is what we will end up doing. We can't have a bunch of young guys out there, we need a veteran player. I just hope he doesn't interfere with Laurinaitis. James has done a good job controlling the defense, I think he deserves that role in this defense forever. haha

[C-Mob 71]

Re: Ny giants release antonio pierce --new ram?

Couldn't have agreed any more. This is what we will end up doing. We can't have a bunch of young guys out there, we need a veteran player. I just hope he doesn't interfere with Laurinaitis. James has done a good job controlling the defense, I think he deserves that role in this defense forever. haha

I don't think he would interfere with JL's development, rather enhance it. He was the MLB in Spag's system for two years, and he knows the ins and outs of being a MLB in the NFL, he has plenty to show JL. If he would be willing to come here for, I don't want to say cheap, but for certainly less than what he is getting now, I would be all for it. IMHO we need help at OLB in the worsts of ways. And maybe Ray Lewis is the exception to the rule, but he certainly shows old guys can still handle playing linebacker in the NFL.

[BarronWade]

Re: Ny giants release antonio pierce --new ram?

Yea i think we would prefer a younger LB but Spags knows Pierce and if he is a Ram it will be after the draft

[Goldenfleece]

Re: Ny giants release antonio pierce --new ram?

On the surface, this looks like a natural match. We have more needs than we're likely to be able to fill through the draft, and he probably has a few good years left. My main concern would be how well he would adjust to playing on the outside. I believe he has been in the middle his entire career.

[viper]

Re: Ny giants release antonio pierce --new ram?

His health issue is a concern. I just don't see why we would bring him in at his age when we traded Will Weatherspoon who arguably is just as good as Pierce with no health issues.

I think we need to stay the course in our rebuilding process and go with the youth movement. Either bring in a promising free agent OLB that is younger than Pierce or get someone through the draft.

[peramoure]

Re: Ny giants release antonio pierce --new ram?

I think this is the same injury that ended Mike Alstott's career that kept coming up. Just thought I'd throw it out there.

[Bing69]

Re: Ny giants release antonio pierce --new ram?

Rather than plugging him in on the outside, why not just use him as JLs backup, or come in when JL needs a break, or have 2 MLB on the field? With the draft and free agency coming up i can see us bringing in more linebackers for the 2 outside spots anyway.

If hes healthy, and he doesnt ask for too high a salary im all for it, good veteran presence

[jmk321]

Re: Ny giants release antonio pierce --new ram?

As someone who watches every Giants game I would say pass. He is not the same player he once was and is a big liability in coverage.

[dave626]

Re: Ny giants release antonio pierce --new ram?

no speed, age and injury problems I think we can find that anywhere.