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The Giants will have many interesting off-season decisions to make. At the top of that list is Justin Tuck. Tuck’s contract is up after the season. In his ninth year, the defensive captain in enjoying a solid season with 43 tackles and 6 ½ sacks, with four coming in this past week’s crushing performance vs the Washington Redskins.

However, it hasn’t always been that clear for the Giants 3rd round pick in the 2005 NFL Draft. Bursting out of the shadow of fellow defensive ends Michael Strahan and Osi Umenyoira in Super Bowl 42, Tuck was a force lining up all over the line. In that game, he arguably could have been named MVP with 2 sacks and a forced fumble vs Tom Brady.

Tuck was destined to be the next great Giants and NFL pass rusher.

Tuck has also battled injuries that have plagued him to be inconsistent and at times, ineffective. If the Giants bring him back, and most indications are that they will, it will be at a discounted rate. At this time, it’s hard to say what he would command on the open market. In addition, it’s also hard to pinpoint what type of quality football is still left for Tuck.

Tuck can still help a defense, as shown in the most recent game vs the redskins, when he is rushing from the inside and is quick enough to bring pressure to a quarterback. In the locker room, rookie Damontre Moore would value Tuck’s mentorship with Jason Pierre-Paul not exactly ready to take that leadership role on the defensive line.

Marco Imperati | Featured Columnist