New York Giants’ guard and best offensive linemen, Justin Pugh, took notice of a monstrous deal signed at his position.
In 2017 New York Giants’ guard Justin Pugh will play the last season of his rookie contract. After a huge deal signed by Kansas City Chiefs guard Laurent Duvernay-Tardif, the Syracuse product seems to be licking his chops at the cash which awaits him in 2018.Ian Rapport of NFL Network reported the details of Duvernay-Tardif’s contract, a five-year pact worth $41.25 million. Essentially, he will be making annually about the same as what Pugh made over the entire life of his first contract.
Pugh won’t be bashful about commanding a similarly hefty payday when he eventually hits the market either. One fan reached out to Pugh on Twitter saying he would “personally go to [Pugh’s] home and cry in front of [him]” if he asked for such a deal. Pugh’s response said a lot about how he will begin his contract negotiations next summer.
New York will have some decisions to make if Pugh is set on such a large price tag. Though he only played eleven games in 2016, he allowed no sacks over that span. His play earned himself a spot opposite Dallas Cowboys’ star guard Zack Martin on Pro Football Focus’ Pro Bowl team. Pugh also made the site’s midseason All-Pro team, garnering an impressive PFF grade of 87.8 as he allowed just nine total quarterback pressures through the season’s first eight games.
The Giants offensive line struggled mightily in 2016 and looked even worse without Pugh in the lineup. New York may have to pony up some big bucks to keep their former first round pick. There will definitely be noticeable on-field consequences if they don’t.