That said, they must first learn whether WR Plaxico Burress is going to be available to them this season. Burress faces a March 31 hearing in New York City on gun felony charges stemming from his Nov. 29, 2008, concealed weapon incident in which he accidentally shot himself in the right thigh. Even if Burress avoids jail time, the NFL will have to weigh in and decide if it should levy a penalty on him by way of a suspension.

So a wide receiver, in the first or second round, should remain a requirement.

TEAM NEEDS/OFFSEASON STRATEGY

The Giants addressed their weak depth along the defensive line when they signed DTs Chris Canty and Rocky Bernard. They can also expect the return of Pro Bowl DE Osi Umenyiora, fully healed and healthy from his knee surgery which cost him the entire 2008 season. WLB Michael Boley is a clever addition but not nearly enough by itself, while SS C.C. Brown is simply a stop-gap in case sophomore Kenny Philips, the No. 1 pick last year, still needs more time.

Offensively, perhaps the only position that doesn't need an immediate fix is quarterback -- and that will be true only as long as Eli Manning remains healthy.

TEAM NEEDS

1. Wide receiver: As has been the case all during this off-season, the uncertainty of Plaxico Burress' status might force the Giants to spend a first round pick (or at the least one of their two seconds) on his replacement. If they move up into the first round, bartering something like their second-round picks, they might come away with a classic blue-chipper.

2. Offensive tackle: The team's scouting department will contest this, but it remains accurate that OLT David Diehl is a natural guard and the sooner he can be moved there the faster he can get to the Pro Bowl. To find a replacement is the team's mission here, whether in the first or second round.

3. Linebacker: The Giants landed UFA veteran Michael Boley from Atlanta and he'll probably start on the weakside. But more is needed to shore up the position, and a replacement for MLB Antonio Pierce is going to be a consideration in the near future.

MEDICAL WATCH: No current injuries. All surgeries have healed. DT Fred Robbins is still slightly less than 100 percent but there is no reason for concern.

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

TRANSITION PLAYER: None.

UNRESTRICTED FREE AGENTS

--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.

UNRESTRICTED FREE AGENTS (not tendered)

--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

--RB Danny Ware.

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; $1.4M/1 yr, $400,000 SB/$300,000 base guarantee.

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

PLAYERS LOST

--SS James Butler: UFA Rams; $14M/4 yrs, guarantees unknown.

--S Craig Dahl: Not tendered as ERFA/Rams; terms unknown.

--RB Reuben Droughns (released).

--SS Sammy Knight (released).

--CB Sam Madison (released).

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

--DE Renaldo Wynn: UFA Redskins; 1 yrs, terms unknown.