Big Blue interested in Mangold
Nick Mangold could be the next exJet to trade in his Gang Green gear for Big Blue.NEW
The Giants have expressed interest in the free agent center Mangold, 33, according to a source, after his release in late February from the Jets franchise he called home since his first-round selection in 2006.
Willie Colon, Mangold’s retired former teammate, first floated that there are “rumbles” of Giants interest in Mangold on ESPN radio in mid-March. The Daily News confirmed Big Blue’s interest in the seventime Pro Bowler and two-time All-Pro who would bring leadership, nastiness and hunger to the line.
Mangold would be the third ex-Jet to sign a free agent contract with the Giants this offseason, including wide receiver Brandon Marshall — also released by the Jets — and quarterback Geno Smith, whose contract had expired. This follows the Giants’ 2016 offseason signing of defensive tackle Damon (Snacks) Harrison, another ex-Jet.
Mangold is one of several veterans the Jets either released or declined to re-sign this offseason as GM Mike Maccagnan takes the franchise into full rebuild mode. The Giants, however, are in win-now mode with twotime Super Bowl winning quarterback Eli Manning and a need for an improved running game — all factors that would make Mangold a great fit.
Mangold played well below 100% for eight games as a Jet last season with an ankle injury, before being shut down and released with one year remaining on his contract. But he started 156 of a possible 160 games in his first 10 seasons, and all indications are he will not be limited physically next season. He anchored the Jets’ line for 11 seasons, most notably as the spearhead of the ground-and-pound attack that helped the Jets reach back-to-back AFC Championship Games under Rex Ryan in 2009 and 2010.
One qualifier is that the Giants already have Weston Richburg, their 2014 second-round pick, entrenched at center. Still, Ben McAdoo’s rushing attack finish 29th out of 32 teams last season in yards per game (88.2) and 30th in yards per carry (3.5).