The New York Giants are prepared to make Andrew Norwell the highest paid guard in NFL history, according to reports.
Offensive line issues have plagued the New York Giants for the past few seasons and it appears new general manager Dave Gettleman is wasting no time to fix those problems. It’s being reported that he is setting his sights on going after prized free-agent guard Andrew Norwell.
According to NFL Draft analyst Chad Forbes, the Giants are preparing to offer Norwell a deal that would make him the highest paying offensive guard in NFL history.
Spoke w/ Giants source on Andrew Norwell… Said Giants prepared make Norwell highest paid Guard NFL History. And if new Agent Drew Rosenhaus takes Norwell elsewhere (49ers) it would create friction in relationship. Assumes Panthers don't Tag Norwell… But Giants are SERIOUS.
— Chad Forbes (@NFLDraftBites) February 14, 2018
Norwell earned First-Team All-Pro honors for the first time in his career this past season with the Carolina Panthers.
He did not commit a single penalty this past season, while not missing a single start for the second consecutive season. Best of all, Norwell didn’t give up a single sack during the 2017 season.
The Ohio State alum has ties with the Giants as part of the Carolina connection between Gettleman and newly named offensive coordinator Mike Shula.
Gettleman signed Norwell as an undrafted free-agent back in 2014 and Shula is the only offensive coordinator Norwell has played for in his NFL career.
Last month, SNY’s Tony Pauline reported last month that Gettleman was preparing to make a run at Norwell.
“Dave Gettleman will look to sign Panthers interior lineman Andrew Norwell, a favorite of his in Carolina, during free agency rather than re-sign Weston Richburg,” wrote Pauline.
Both guard spots on the Giants offensive line is a mystery going into next season, with New York not expected to re-sign either Justin Pugh or D.J. Fluker. The Giants could also cut John Jerry this offseason for salary cap purposes.
If the Panthers don’t franchise-tag Norwell, it appears Gettleman is ready to make a big play of the All-Pro left guard in his quest to rebuild the Giants’ offensive line.
As arguably one of the best interior offensive linemen in the NFL, Norwell could make a huge impact on the Giants offense.
Follow Steven Bassin on Twitter @SBassin_Sports
