Mark L. Baer- USA TODAY Sports
According to the New York Daily News, the New York Giants have tendered running back Andre Brown to a non-guaranteed one-year contract.
Brown, who showed flashes of brilliance in 2012, has a long history of injuries. Moreover, the Giants will be looking for him to carry more of the load without the presence of departed running back, Ahmad Bradshaw.
If Brown manages to stay healthy, his staying with the Giants could spare them a need in the NFL Draft. Since the end of the Tiki Barber era, the Giants have adopted a generally successful tandem-style of running back play.
A successful season for Brown would mean that the Giants would not need to spend a draft pick on a running back, which is something that would aid them in their defensive rebuilding effort.
Brown was a journeyman for most of his career, but he burst onto the scene in a 2012 early-season rout of the Carolina Panthers—a victory where he shined in place of Bradshaw. It was an effort that saw him rush for 113 yards and two touchdowns on 20 carries.
Clearly, the speed back David Wilson will be given the starting nod going into the 2013 season. But, pending his health, Brown can help form a running back tandem for a new decade of Giants football.
GM Jerry Reese seems to think Brown is capable of making an impact. Generally, one should trust his instincts; do you remember when he thought that then-unknown Victor Cruz could be a viable replacement for Eli Manning’s favorite receiver, Steve Smith?
But, everything stated previously relies on Brown’s ability to stay healthy.
Jeff Nelson is a New York Giants writer for www.RantSports.com. Follow him on Twitter @JNelson53_12, “Like” him on Facebook or add him to your network on Google.
