Dave Gettleman talked about legacy, about setting up the Giants for the long term and about doing only what's right for the franchise when he addressed reporters last week at the scouting combine in Indianapolis. And if the general manager comes through and fixes his quarterback situation long into the future, he'll have a chance to etch his name among the team's great executives.
But his decision to let safety Landon Collins walk will certainly not help his legacy and undoubtedly will add to the growing sense of unease among Giants fans who still aren't sold that Gettleman will have all the right answers.
Gettleman has concluded that Collins is not worth the long-term investment that would be required to keep one of his best defensive players. The loss of a locker room leader whose infectious enthusiasm and joie de vivre on the football field will be significant and potentially long-lasting. Gettleman opted not to use the franchise tag on Collins, thereby making him a free agent and getting nothing in return until next season, when the team likely will receive a compensatory draft pick.
