Kerry Collins anyone? (probable June 1st cut)

[TruBlueCowboy]

http://www.newsday.com/sports/football/giants/ny-spgside253772686apr25,0,7158499.story?coll=ny-giants-print

Collins ready to be sacked
Says he won't rework his $7-million contract for 2004 to help team with the salary cap, so Giants will let QB go

BY NEIL BEST
STAFF WRITER
April 25, 2004

From the day the Giants hired Tom Coughlin, he was conspicuously lukewarm when speaking about quarterback Kerry Collins, declining in his opening news conference to name Collins his starter.

It now is all but certain that Collins never will play, let alone start, for the new coach. The acquisition of Eli Manning yesterday is expected to lead to Collins' release after five seasons with the team, during which he led the Giants to an NFC championship and made a major dent in the franchise's passing records.

Because of Collins' $7-million base salary for the final year of his contract, the only way the Giants will consider retaining him would be if he reworked and extended the deal to make it more cap-friendly.

Is that a possibility?

"No, not at all," Collins told Newsday yesterday afternoon.

That was before Collins had heard from Coughlin. Early last night, he remained adamant even after Coughlin called him at his New Jersey home. Coughlin and Collins both said that during that conversation, Coughlin told Collins not to assume anything about his future with the team, but added the Giants would need cooperation on Collins' part for cap relief.

So, might he cooperate in a new deal after all?

"No, sir," Collins told Newsday.

That stance will seal his fate despite the fact that he took the high road in a conference call with reporters, saying his preference is to play out his contract and become a free agent in 2005. He said he is willing to work with Manning and show him the ropes if Collins is on the roster.

Most likely, Manning will be groomed to start on opening day, but the team will sign a veteran as an alternative should Manning not be ready or falter. One veteran in a thin market is Jeff Blake. The team is not believed to have interest in Kurt Warner if the Rams let him go.

Jesse Palmer, Collins' backup, remains on the roster but might not make it to opening day.

Collins, 31, said his "emotions were all over the charts" as he watched the draft, and when asked if he felt hurt by the trade for Manning he said, "I wouldn't be human if I didn't."

Collins was not surprised when the Giants picked a quarterback. He was aware of the possibility for weeks, and Thursday, he hinted to reporters he might have some harsh words if it happened. Instead, Collins said, "Obviously, my time here is short and I understand that, but I'm very appreciative of the opportunity that they have given me here."

Collins, whose 16,875 passing yards ranks third on the Giants' list, said he would like to be cut "sooner rather than later" if the Giants intend to do so. There figure to be teams that would be interested, perhaps including the Cowboys. His contract makes trading him unlikely.

Veteran teammates, including six-time Pro Bowl defensive end Michael Strahan, have expressed concern about replacing Collins with a rookie, believing it could signal a rebuilding phase. Strahan is 32. Receiver Amani Toomer will be 30 in September. Running back Tiki Barber is 29.

Collins was the Giants' best quarterback since Phil Simms, who in 1994 was cut coming off a playoff season to make room for a player on whom the Giants spent a first-round pick two years earlier: Dave Brown.

[Mavs Man]

This is surprising news. I thought they would keep Collins as starter while they groomed Eli Manning, but it appears Collins is not at all interested in playing the role of mentor.

Considering he and Sean Payton have a history, I'd say sign Collins and then try to trade Quincy or keep him around as a back-up (though I'm not sure how well that would go over with Quincy).

But there'd still be other questions, like if we're willing to shell out the necessary dough to bring him here and if Collins is willing to come to Dallas to play the same role to Drew Henson.

[chinch]

the local (NYC) talkies have been chatting up what a dumb move this was really for the Gints. it sets back the Giants 3 years as Eli grows and has alot of learning to do... pretty much dooms their next 3 seasons from the playoffs (said could you imagine Tuna & Gibbs coaching vs this rookieQB) and Collin's cap number is staggering. The concensus is also that he'll be good but not great.

Giants fans are really mixed on the move. As a Cowboys fan if Collins is cut, that probably gets us (and philly) 4-5 guaranteed wins vs Gints the next 3 seasons

[jumanji]

This is surprising news. I thought they would keep Collins as starter while they groomed Eli Manning, but it appears Collins is not at all interested in playing the role of mentor.

Considering he and Sean Payton have a history, I'd say sign Collins and then try to trade Quincy or keep him around as a back-up (though I'm not sure how well that would go over with Quincy).

But there'd still be other questions, like if we're willing to shell out the necessary dough to bring him here and if Collins is willing to come to Dallas to play the same role to Drew Henson.

reported that coughlin expected manning to be the starter from the beginning soooo that means when they asked collins to stay, it was to stay as a backup.

[lwehlers]

i wonder who would be the best teams for collins. if i was the arizona cardinals i would go after collins. with the rookie receiver and boldin that would be a great receiving group for collins. also if i was detroit i would go after collins. he is better at this time then harrington. i do not see any way that we even think about talking to collins. also another team might be the 49ers. tim rattay is not a qb that i would feel totally confident in playing a whole season with.

[Big D]

As much grief as QC gets around here for his play I cannot imagine anyone wanting to see Kerry Collins brought in here.

[RatisBeast]

http://www.newsday.com/sports/football/giants/ny-spgside253772686apr25,0,7158499.story?coll=ny-giants-print

Collins ready to be sacked
Says he won't rework his $7-million contract for 2004 to help team with the salary cap, so Giants will let QB go

BY NEIL BEST
STAFF WRITER
April 25, 2004

From the day the Giants hired Tom Coughlin, he was conspicuously lukewarm when speaking about quarterback Kerry Collins, declining in his opening news conference to name Collins his starter.

It now is all but certain that Collins never will play, let alone start, for the new coach. The acquisition of Eli Manning yesterday is expected to lead to Collins' release after five seasons with the team, during which he led the Giants to an NFC championship and made a major dent in the franchise's passing records.

Because of Collins' $7-million base salary for the final year of his contract, the only way the Giants will consider retaining him would be if he reworked and extended the deal to make it more cap-friendly.

Is that a possibility?

"No, not at all," Collins told Newsday yesterday afternoon.

That was before Collins had heard from Coughlin. Early last night, he remained adamant even after Coughlin called him at his New Jersey home. Coughlin and Collins both said that during that conversation, Coughlin told Collins not to assume anything about his future with the team, but added the Giants would need cooperation on Collins' part for cap relief.

So, might he cooperate in a new deal after all?

"No, sir," Collins told Newsday.

That stance will seal his fate despite the fact that he took the high road in a conference call with reporters, saying his preference is to play out his contract and become a free agent in 2005. He said he is willing to work with Manning and show him the ropes if Collins is on the roster.

Most likely, Manning will be groomed to start on opening day, but the team will sign a veteran as an alternative should Manning not be ready or falter. One veteran in a thin market is Jeff Blake. The team is not believed to have interest in Kurt Warner if the Rams let him go.

Jesse Palmer, Collins' backup, remains on the roster but might not make it to opening day.

Collins, 31, said his "emotions were all over the charts" as he watched the draft, and when asked if he felt hurt by the trade for Manning he said, "I wouldn't be human if I didn't."

Collins was not surprised when the Giants picked a quarterback. He was aware of the possibility for weeks, and Thursday, he hinted to reporters he might have some harsh words if it happened. Instead, Collins said, "Obviously, my time here is short and I understand that, but I'm very appreciative of the opportunity that they have given me here."

Collins, whose 16,875 passing yards ranks third on the Giants' list, said he would like to be cut "sooner rather than later" if the Giants intend to do so. There figure to be teams that would be interested, perhaps including the Cowboys. His contract makes trading him unlikely.

Veteran teammates, including six-time Pro Bowl defensive end Michael Strahan, have expressed concern about replacing Collins with a rookie, believing it could signal a rebuilding phase. Strahan is 32. Receiver Amani Toomer will be 30 in September. Running back Tiki Barber is 29.

Collins was the Giants' best quarterback since Phil Simms, who in 1994 was cut coming off a playoff season to make room for a player on whom the Giants spent a first-round pick two years earlier: Dave Brown.
No thanks ill pass. We are not going to be making a run this year anyway IMO (loved to be proved wrong though.)

[big dog cowboy]

The QB situation is a mess without adding another ingredient. Besides, JJ sounded pretty sold on QC when interviewed during the draft. With Henson waiting in the wings there are only so may snaps to go around.

[chinch]

if he's cut (very likely) collins would be a *perfect* backup (ie. 1 year deal ala Griese last summer) due to his relationship with Sean P alone. it would also light a fire under QC's backside knowing the hook is possible after 2-3 horrendous quarters. finally it ensures Hutch never wears the Cowboy uni again AND allows Henson's contract to avoid the escalators.

[cowboyfan4life_mark]

One funny thing about this, Coughlin was the first coach of the expansion Jags and Collins was the first pick of the expansion Panthers. Odd how things have transpired for them to meet in NY but yet they won't have a game together.


I know...I know...I'm bored again. :D

[jac9k]

if he's cut (very likely) collins would be a *perfect* backup (ie. 1 year deal ala Griese last summer) due to his relationship with Sean P alone. it would also light a fire under QC's backside knowing the hook is possible after 2-3 horrendous quarters. finally it ensures Hutch never wears the Cowboy uni again AND allows Henson's contract to avoid the escalators.
I don't think he comes here, but If collins signs with dallas, its to be the starter.
He wouldn't sign without a least having a open competition.
and i don't think carter can beat him out.
He's a solid vet and familar with paytons system

jac

[Mavs Man]

reported that coughlin expected manning to be the starter from the beginning soooo that means when they asked collins to stay, it was to stay as a backup.
I didn't know that. I just figured the Giants would do like Cinci or Jacksonville (at least for a few games) last year. If that's what Coughlin said then I don't blame Collins for grumbling.

[NoDak Cowboy]

if he's cut (very likely) collins would be a *perfect* backup (ie. 1 year deal ala Griese last summer) due to his relationship with Sean P alone. it would also light a fire under QC's backside knowing the hook is possible after 2-3 horrendous quarters. finally it ensures Hutch never wears the Cowboy uni again AND allows Henson's contract to avoid the escalators.
Why are people so darn afraid of those escalators?

So if your scenario comes to fruition, and we get Collins for only one year, what do we do the following season? You do realize those same escalators are in the 2nd year of hensons contract, too. Right?


No to Collins. Let Quincy ride it out. If he shows something this year, and Henson still beats him out next year, great! It only means Henson has something, and Carter has more value.

[jobberone]

I would expect him to want to go somewhere to play. If he doesn't want to be a backup in NY then why anywhere else. I doubt either he or Coughlin actually have had time to get into personality conflicts worth millions of dollars and more.

This looks strictly like a money and philosophy problem. The Giants don't want to pay Collins millions to tutor Manning.

I wouldn't be surprised if both move off their positions to something more mutually satisfactual.

However, Collins and his agent may find some team looking for a starter but I would imagine Collins will still play for less just not backup money.

They should find out what his present market value. I think he's a good QB and this move surprises me some since I believe the Giants are still a good team. It's money. I wonder who blinks first or if Coughlin really is ready to throw Manning in there. Appears that way.

[Skeptic]

No, no, NO. A million times No.

We need to stop leaping to retreads for an immediate fix. This draft is a perfect example of how we're looking to the future. Why waste the time and energy on a guy that Quincy could probably beat out behind this line and Henson will certainly beat out next year?

PU.