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By the end of the 2011 season, Giants receiver Hakeem Nicks had established himself as a No. 1 receiver, catching at least 75 passes and recording at least 1,050 receiving yards in 2010 and 2011. But the past two years have hurt his stock dramatically, whether through injury or subpar play, and during his contract year of 2013, he caught exactly zero touchdown passes.
Now, Nicks -- the No. 43-ranked free agent on CBSSports.com's list (and the No. 5 receiver) -- says he'd be willing to sign a one-year prove-it contract in order to cash in on free agency next offseason, reports ESPN's Chris Mortensen.
Nicks also reportedly has circulated proof to all clubs from two well-respected doctors, Dr. Robert Anderson and Dr. James Andrews, that his past foot and knee injuries won't inhibit him for the 2014 season.
Though Nicks apparently is still considering a return to the Giants, it doesn't sound like New York will try hard to re-sign him.
"You never know," general manager Jerry Reese said at the combine last month. "We keep all of our options open. Both of those guys [Nicks and Justin Tuck], they deserve to see what the market is."
As of Saturday at noon, when teams could begin negotiations with other teams' free agents, Nicks has had the chance to do so. And if Nicks really is willing to sign a one-year deal to rehab his reputation, perhaps he's not liking what the market is telling him.
