Tony Gonzalez: A Giants Perspective

by Joel Thorman on Oct 13, 2008 6:49 AM CDT in 2008 Campaign Comment 15 comments

I shared a few e-mails with SBNation's Giants blogger, Ed from Big Blue View, on the possibilities of a Tony Gonzalez trade. I came to the realization that my bias was overvaluing our Hall of Famer.

Ed, what kind of draft pick do you think the Giants would be willing to give up for Tony? I've heard a 6th but is that just the start of the negotiations or are they firm in their belief that he's worth a late 2nd day pick?

I am hearing KC wants a third-round pick. Giants have a 2 and a 5 from New Orleans from the Shockey trade. Just a guess, but I doubt Giants GM Jerry Reese wants to give up a first-day pick.

If he were to be traded, would he become a major player in the offense? Is Kevin Boss fulfilling any expectations at this point?

TG would be a complementary piece, no question. The Giants are very traditional in their thinking about the tight end, anway, which is one of the things that grated on Jeremy Shockey. They have 5 wideouts they throw the ball to consistently, and Kevin Boss has only 5 receptions. That's not because he is terrible, it's because the Giants have incredible depth at wide receiver. I could see Gonzalez catching more balls than Boss, but the Giants are not re-structuring the offense for him. He will have to take what comes. Boss has been fine, by the way. His blocking has been better than expected, and he has caught what has been thrown to him.

Out of a sign of sympathy, will you guys give us Plaxico for free?

There is no sympathy in the NFL. LOL! Plax might just get himself traded someday, but I don't think it has reached that point with the Giants yet.

I was really hoping that last one would work.

What I find somewhat surprising in Ed's answers is the non-excitement there is for a player like Tony. I guess that's my bias coming out again. However, he does make a valid point that Kevin Boss has 5 catches and the Giants offense is still ranked number one. What's their motivation to give up a pick?

Another valid point is Kevin Boss' blocking skills which are very relevant considering the Giants 181 rushing yards per game currently lead the NFL.

I answered a few questions for Ed over at Big Blue View, so head over there and check it out. The questions begin with him comparing my answers to Jason Whitlock....shudder.

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I Will Say This About The Giants Offense

I suspect that part of the reason that Shockey wasn’t targeted more was because of his tendency for drops. But Ed’s right…the Giants haven’t really targeted any tight end that I can think of since Mark Bavaro and it’s unlikely that they’re going to change their offensive system just to accommodate Tony Gonzalez. Particularly since Eli’s been doing pretty well with things as is.

Supporting the lesser of two evils is still supporting something evil.

by UCrawford on Oct 13, 2008 7:05 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs

Yeah

They can afford to be tough in the negotiations because TG would be a luxury at this point.

I still say do it. The Giants are 19th in red zone TDs this season and TG would immediately help you there.

by Joel Thorman on Oct 13, 2008 7:28 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

He May Have Had Second Round Value To Them Before The Season Started

But not really in mid-season. The change would be disruptive and right now Eli’s having one of the better hot streaks of his career.

Supporting the lesser of two evils is still supporting something evil.

by UCrawford on Oct 13, 2008 7:29 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Does anyone have WPI insider access?

It looks like they may have the latest on Gonzo and a couple other trade possibilities.

by dkugler838 on Oct 13, 2008 9:09 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs

If it was legitimate news

Then it would be posted elsewhere as well.

by Joel Thorman on Oct 13, 2008 9:10 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

What about Kevin Boss

maybe take a lower round draft pick, but have Boss come to KC.

by Wildcatmo21 on Oct 13, 2008 10:45 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs

I Think They Like Boss And Want To Keep Him

But that would be an interesting trade. But it would still be too little in return.

Supporting the lesser of two evils is still supporting something evil.

by UCrawford on Oct 13, 2008 10:51 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

But That's Interesting

Boss has shown some potential as a good pass catcher and a red zone target. I think his blocking is really horrible though. But then Tony G. wasn’t a great blocker when he got here either. And Boss is 24 and has excellent size for a tight end.

Hmmmm…

Supporting the lesser of two evils is still supporting something evil.

by UCrawford on Oct 13, 2008 10:53 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

I thought Cottam

was supposed to be the future?

"But what do I know, I’m like an empty room with a large ECHO"

by Lanier63 on Oct 13, 2008 10:56 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

The Giants fans

Over at Big Blue View were comparing TG’s blocking to Boss’s as a reason to keep Boss.

by Joel Thorman on Oct 13, 2008 11:00 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

My fellow Giants Fans

Any Giants fan who wants to compare Boss as he is today to Tony is either stupid or delusional. Tony is already a great player and Kevin Boss is still a work in progress I think that if the Giants went after Tony, it would be a great thing for the rest of the Tight Ends on the team because he seems like a good guy and a team player (unlike our last TE).
I really want this trade because I’m a huge TG fan and i feel like you can never have too many weapons on offense.
Regarding his blocking..
is it simply sufficient or is it above average?
I know you had Jason Dunn for a while and he’s good for nothing but blocking

by Hoyadestroya85 on Oct 13, 2008 11:48 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

It's definitely above average

Tony’s been around so long, he’s an expert at everything. He’s a pro’s pro. Receiving is obviously his strength when you look at the numbers, but don’t forget that Tony helped block for our offense which led the NFL in rushing for multiple years with Priest Holmes and Larry Johnson. He’s an excellent blocker. I really don’t want this deal to get done because I’m selfish and want to keep TG forever.

by Vince D on Oct 13, 2008 12:00 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs