Dec 22, 2013; Detroit, MI, USA; New York Giants defensive end Justin Tuck (91) on the sidelines during the fourth quarter against the Detroit Lions at Ford Field. Mandatory Credit: Andrew Weber-USA TODAY Sports
Former Super Bowl Champ and New York Giants defensive end Justin Tuck is planning to test the free agency market for the first time in his career. Tuck reportedly will not re-sign with the Giants before he is set to become a free agent and he will test out the free agency waters, but he won’t rule out signing back with the team.
“I will see what the market is for me,” Tuck said during a Super Bowl promotional appearance. “I’ve never been in this situation before, and it’s a great opportunity for myself. I would be doing myself a disservice if I didn’t see what the market is, and I will.” – NY Post
Tuck will be 31 in late March, but he did have one of his best seasons as a pro last year. He registered 11 sacks and played in all 16 games, continuing to be one of the best players on the New York Giants defense even if the team struggled towards its worst season in recent memory. All of those things point towards Tuck having enough in the tank to give a couple of productive seasons to whoever is willing to pay him should the Giants wish to rebuild and press the reset button by letting their veteran pass rusher go.
His inclusion in the free agency market will be intriguing for the Raiders as they are in the market for talented pass rushers and Tuck definitely fits the bill. Although he his hitting the latter stages of his career, a move for Tuck would give Oakland’s defense a Richard Seymour-like veteran who might even have more in the tank and also a player who has been apart of a winning franchise in the Giants. Depending on his price tag which could be lower than expected after veteran players of all kinds found out the market for older players has lowered during 2013 free agency, Tuck could be a good addition for the Raiders. Especially if Lammar Houston walks out for free agency himself and the Raiders are in need of a proven defensive end before hoping to land Jadeveon Clowney in the draft.