Over the weekend, it was reported the New York Giants remain skeptical about Eli Manning’s future under center. The proof: the team worked out former Minnesota Vikings and Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Josh Freeman, as well as Matt Flynn, who has since re-upped with the Green Bay Packers.
After working out Freeman earlier in the week, the Giants are close to completing a deal to bring in the former first-round pick. According to ESPN, a deal is expected to be done within the next day or so.
Josh Freeman and the Giants are working toward a deal which should be completed over the next day or so, per source.
— Adam Caplan (@caplannfl) April 16, 2014
Freeman has shown glimpses of high potential during his stint with the Bucs, but took a major step backwards under former coach Greg Schiano. After being released by Tampa Bay early in the 2013 season, he signed on with the Vikings but played miserably in his one game — coincidentally against the Giants. In that contest, Freeman completed 37.7 percent of his passes and threw an interception.
But aside from Manning, the Giants have Curtis Painter and Ryan Nassib rounding out the depth chart. Painter is a career backup, while Nassib was drafted in the fourth round out of Syracuse in last year’s draft and has yet to make an NFL start. Freeman at least boasts more game experience than those two.
Across town, the New York Jets wrapped up their interview with running back Chris Johnson. The veteran had a “productive” meeting with “good vibes all around,” according to the New York Daily News. Still, the determining factor will likely be money.
The top free-agent backs this offseason earned between $3-$4 million per year, and the Jets remain stubborn not to overpay for the 29-year-old Johnson.
Chris Johnson’s visit with the Jets today: Productive. Good vibes all around, I’m told. #nyj
— Manish Mehta (@MMehtaNYDN) April 15, 2014
Jets are sticking to budget/value system. They want Chris Johnson, but will not “overpay.” Depressed RB market suggests $3-$4M/yr max #nyj
— Manish Mehta (@MMehtaNYDN) April 15, 2014
