However, the need for an impact wide receiver is inescapable, and among those currently on the roster there doesn't appear to be one who can assume even a partial "Plaxico Burress" role. If Reese, who has established his credentials as a gambler, gets the chance, he might try to trade up high in the first round to snare one of the top wideouts, probably Michael Crabtree of Texas Tech.

TEAM NEEDS

1. Wide receiver: With Plaxico Burress released and veteran Amani Toomer in limbo without a contract, the Giants clearly must bolster their depth at the position while hoping to find an immediate starter at the same time. Size and speed are the requirements, leading to a potential selection of Rutgers' Kenny Britt -- especially at the 29th position where the Giants will draft (pending a trade).

2. Linebacker: Inside or outside, there is a need for either one on the current roster. MLB Antonio Pierce is losing some speed and might face some sort of suspension for his involvement in the Plaxico Burress incident last fall. Danny Clark is probably safe at SLB but neither Brian Kehl, Chase Blackburn nor Gerris Wilkinson can legitimately file a claim to the starting job.

3. Running back: Right, Brandon Jacobs is a super stud (who doesn't appear able to stay healthy for a full season). With the defection of Derrick Ward to Tampa Bay and the presence of Ahmad Bradshaw and Danny Ware another talent is necessary. Don't be surprised if the Giants try to get one early.

MEDICAL WATCH: No updates.

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: None.

PLAYERS RE-SIGNED

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

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

--RB Danny Ware: ERFA; $460,000/1 yr.

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.