All signs point to the Giants making a big run at Andrew Norwell.But how big?The Giants' No. 1 need in free agency is offensive linemen. The 26-year-old Norwell isn't just the top guard on the market: He is the top offensive lineman regardless of position.
First-year Giants general manager Dave Gettleman previously held the same position with the Panthers, where one of his top personnel accomplishments was uncovering Norwell as an undrafted free agent.
Now the Giants have hired offensive coordinator Mike Shula, who is the only play-caller that Norwell has known in his four-year NFL career.
Add all that together and what do you get?
NFL Draft analyst Chad Forbes cited an anonymous Giants source in reporting that the team plans to make Norwell the highest-paid offensive guard in NFL history if he reaches free agency. The Panthers could apply the franchise tag to keep Norwell on a one-year deal.
Since taking over as a starter midway through his rookie season, the Ohio State product has started 54 of a possible 57 games. He further positioned himself for the big bucks by becoming a First-Team All-Pro for the first time in 2017.
The Giants opened 2017 with John Jerry and Justin Pugh as starting guards, with D.J. Fluker taking over once Pugh was injured. Pugh also is near the top of the free agent market, so the Giants likely would be moving on from Pugh, a former first-round pick, by signing Norwell.
That's putting the cart before the horse, however. The Giants will have plenty of competition for Norwell, beginning with the 49ers.
The Giants have about $22 million in salary cap space but could free up at least $10 million more by cutting multiple veterans.
Kevin Zeitler of the Browns (five years, $60 million) has the highest annual salary among active NFL guards, according to overthecap.com. Kelechi Osemele of the Raiders (five years, $58.5 million) signed the contract with the most guaranteed money ($25.4 million) among active guards.
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