The chief need is a dynamic wide receiver to replace (or perhaps team with) the troubled Plaxico Burress, and there are both trade rumors and draft predictions that will help them in that area. In addition, the offensive line could use some help, and there is a need for a young, potential starter to back up TE Kevin Boss.

TEAM NEEDS/OFFSEASON STRATEGY

So far in free agency the Giants have mounted a defensively oriented game plan and quickly came up with DT/DE Chris Canty, DT Rocky Bernard, WLB Michael Boley and SS C.C. Brown. They have basically ignored the offense, and while that unit did function reasonably well last year on the way to a 12-4 record, it can use some help.

TEAM NEEDS

1. Wide receiver: Whether Plaxico Burress escapes a prison sentence or not, the Giants still need another impact wideout. Veteran Amani Toomer is obviously gone and young Steve Smith is a qualified third down possession receiver.

2. Offensive tackle: David Diehl plays the left tackle position and does it moderately well. He doesn't have quick enough feet, however, and is usually beaten by the speed-rushing defensive ends. He could find himself in the Pro Bowl as a guard and the Giants are aware of that. But they need to find someone to replace him first.

3. Middle linebacker: Right, veteran Antonio Pierce is still playing well, but he has noticeably lost a step or two and can no longer stay with the running backs coming out on pass plays. His involvement in the Plaxico Burress case, too, might well cost him some playing time via a suspension by the NFL.

MEDICAL WATCH: Both starting defensive tackles, Fred Robbins and Barry Cofield, underwent arthroscopic knee procedures. According to GM Jerry Reese, they are "not only doing well but we fully expect them to be ready to play this year."

FRANCHISE PLAYER: RB Brandon Jacobs: Tendered at $6.621M; signed four-year contract Feb. 25.

TRANSITION PLAYER: None.

UNRESTRICTED FREE AGENTS

--SS James Butler was a first-time starter last season and played well, but his place will be taken by last year's No. 1 draft pick Kenny Phillips.

--K John Carney did well for the Giants on an interim basis but will not be offered a new contract at the age of 44.

--DE Jerome McDougle is unlikely to return.

--CB/KR R.W. McQuarters is on the bubble and if he'll take a reduced salary he might be re-signed.

--G/C Grey Ruegamer is a 10-year veteran and is useful; he is also not overly expensive.

--LB Rich Scanlon probably won't be back.

--WR Amani Toomer, the Giants' all-time leading receiver, will probably not be offered a new contract after 12 years with the team.

--QB Anthony Wright spent the year on injured reserve and probably won't get even that chance again.

--DE Renaldo Wynn was a stop-gap signee and should be dispatched.

UNRESTRICTED FREE AGENTS (not tendered)

--S Craig Dahl (not tendered as ERFA).

--RB Kay-Jay Harris (not tendered as ERFA).

RESTRICTED FREE AGENTS

--CB Kevin Dockery (tendered at $1.545M with second-round pick as compensation).

EXCLUSIVE RIGHTS FREE AGENTS: Unknown.

PLAYERS RE-SIGNED

--QB David Carr: Potential UFA; $2.1M/1 yr, $1M SB.

--RB Brandon Jacobs: FFA; $25M/4 yrs; $13M guaranteed.

PLAYERS ACQUIRED

--DT Rocky Bernard: UFA Seahawks; $16M/4 yrs, guarantee unknown.

--LB Michael Boley: UFA Falcons; $25M/5 yrs, $11M guaranteed.

--S C.C. Brown: UFA Texans; 1 yr, terms unknown.

--DE Chris Canty: UFA Cowboys; $42M/6 yrs, $8.5M SB/$17.25M guaranteed.

PLAYERS LOST

--RB Reuben Droughns (released).

--SS Sammy Knight (released).

--CB Sam Madison (released).

--RB Derrick Ward: UFA Buccaneers; $24M/5 yrs, guarantees unknown.