The Giants are expected to pursue free agent kicker Graham Gano, according to Dan Duggan of NJ.com.
Gano, of course, would need to actually reach the free agent market before New York can go after him. The Panthers, who have employed the 30-year-old Gano for the past six seasons, are reportedly considering using the franchise tag on their veteran kicker. The franchise tender for placekickers is expected to be worth $4.604MM, a steep raise over Gano’s current $3.1MM annual salary.
Gano led the NFL in field goal conversion rate with a 96.7% success mark in 2017, and that performance earned him his first career Pro Bowl nod. In terms of advanced metrics, Gano was worth 6.3 points through his field goal and extra point work, good for eighth in the league, per Football Outsiders.
The Giants are seemingly aiming to replace Aldrick Rosas, who converted only 72% of his field goal attempts in what was his rookie campaign. New York general manager Dave Gettleman previously served in the same role for the Panthers, so he’s clearly familiar with Gano’s ability.
So how are they pursuing him in free agency if he is going to be franchised?
Teams can still pursue a player who has the non-exclusive tag. The article didn’t specify which one the Panthers were contemplating.
They just needed something to talk about
If we are going for former FSU kickers. I’d love to see Janikowski. Just for the sheer fun of it.