Andrew Whitworth would be the perfect short-term solution to the Giants’ left tackle problem. But there’s a catch. The free-agent-to-be said that he’s “pretty positive” that he’ll return to the Bengals during an interview with SiriusXM Radio on Monday.
“I love Cincinnati and I want to be there,” Whitworth said on The SiriusXM Blitz. “I’m pretty positive that things will work out in a way that I’ll be there again.”
Giants offensive line overview
All hope is not lost for the Giants, however. Whitworth has signed multiple contract extensions during his 11-year career to remain with the Bengals. But the Giants should get the chance to make their pitch to Whitworth because 35-year-old three-time Pro Bowler plans to test the waters when free agency begins on March 7.
“I want to take advantage of the opportunity of being free and listen to what other people have to say,” Whitworth said. “I think that’s the right way to do it. I’m talking to the (Bengals). Hopefully we’re going to work something out and for sure be back as a Bengal. That’s where I’d love to end my career and love that opportunity to do that. But I also think it’s smart to at least listen to other opportunities and make sure that you have your heart right place.”
The Giants are expected to be in the market for a left tackle after general manager Jerry Reese said the team is open to moving Ereck Flowers to another position after his second consecutive subpar season. Whitworth is clearly the best available option in a down year for left tackles in free agency and the draft.
Offseason plan
Whitworth’s age is an obvious red flag, but he likely wouldn’t be looking for a long-term deal. And he has shown no signs of decline.
Whitworth, who played last season on a one-year, $9 million extension, has made 55 straight starts and has only missed two games in the past eight seasons. He has made the Pro Bowl in each of the past two seasons.
“Being in the right place at the right time, a little bit of blessing,” Whitworth said of his durability. “Obviously taking care of yourself and training the right way and understanding how to keep yourself from getting injured. I think it’s just a mixture of a lot of things, but also toughness is one of them.”
Whitworth’s emphasis on chasing a Super Bowl ring could give the Giants an advantage over the Bengals. The Bengals went 6-9-1 and missed the playoffs last season. Cincinnati hasn’t won a playoff game during Whitworth’s career, while the Giants offer the opportunity to play for a team that went 11-5 last season and has two-time Super Bowl champion Eli Manning at quarterback.
“At this point in my career, it’s about the challenge, it’s about the excitement of going to try to win that Super Bowl,” Whitworth said. “That’s what I want to do, so I want to make sure wherever it is I am – hopefully Cincinnati – that team is prepared to go try and fight for that trophy.”
Dan Duggan may be reached at dduggan@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter @DDuggan21. Find our Giants coverage on Facebook.
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