The New York Giants had to done something about their two free agent running backs Brandon Jacobs and Derrick Ward.
They have slapped the franchise tag on Jacobs, thus for all intents and purposes making him a Giant for the 2009 season.
The big guy will make $6.621 million next season, which is the average of the top five running back salaries last year. The franchise tag also means the Giants can match any offer Jacobs receives from another team.
I am not surprised at all because this guy is a loadand one of the keys to their running game. There was no way in the world they were going to let him walk.
The decision on Jacobs will probably mean Ward will be playing elsewhere. It's a shame a the Eagles wouldnt' sign a guy like Ward because he would be the perfect complement for Brian Westbrook.
Ward has speed and quick feet even though he stands 6'2" and weighs 230 pounds.
The Eagles don't believe in investing too much money in the running back position. Andy Reid's plan is predicated on building around the quarterback and a passing game, not a running back and a running game.
With Brian Westbrook making $5 million dollars a year, the Birds aren't going to be willing to invest more big money in the running back position. So there's no way they go after a guy like Ward.
They won't sign an expensive free agent running back and they also won't draft a running back in the first or second rounds with Westbrook still on the team. So cross off any of those top back because they won't be playing for the Birds.
I think they will try to grab a running back from the third round on.
