Five offseason questions that Giants must answer

BY ARTHUR STAPLE | arthur.staple@newsday.com

February 5, 2008

PHOENIX - What will the Giants do for an encore?

Yes, there's a parade today through the "Canyon of Heroes" in Manhattan, followed by a rally at Giants Stadium. But even the Super Bowl champs have some retooling to do in the next few months before they begin defense of their title.

Here are five burning questions for the Giants heading into the offseason:

1) WILL THE COACHING STAFF RETURN INTACT?

Tom Coughlin’s contract extension should be a quickly completed deal, likely three years beyond next season at a raise from the reported $3 million a year Coughlin made each of his first four seasons.

The bigger question is whether defensive coordinator Steve Spagnuolo will be back for a second season. Spagnuolo is likely to chat with Redskins owner Daniel Snyder in the next day or two about Washington’s head-coaching vacancy, but several people in the Giants’ organization doubt that Spagnuolo will jump into that situation, given that two coordinators already are in place. Told that linebacker Antonio Pierce, among other Giants, would beg him to stay another season, Spagnuolo said, "He may be right.’’

2) ARE THERE ANY LONG-TERM CONCERNS ABOUT SHOCKEY, KIWANUKA OR BURRESS?

Jeremy Shockey and Matthias Kiwanuka should be fully recovered from leg surgery in time for June minicamp. Plaxico Burress said he won’t need surgery on the torn ligament in his right ankle, but his left knee might require an arthroscopy. He also should be ready for minicamp.

3) WHAT ARE THE GIANTS’ DRAFT NEEDS?

For GM Jerry Reese, it would be a major achievement to find a crop of draftees who can contribute as well as the Class of 2007 did. Even with Aaron Ross in the fold and an improved Corey Webster, the Giants might look to get younger at corner with Sam Madison turning 34. Safety might get a high pick, too, especially if the Giants can’t re-sign Gibril Wilson. Another young offensive lineman might be selected, and Reese still might think a young quarterback is needed to push Eli Manning.

4) WHICH YOUNG PLAYERS DO THE GIANTS NEED TO LOCK UP?

Justin Tuck, probably the runner-up for Super Bowl MVP, already is tucked away, having signed a five-year extension, with $16 million guaranteed, on Jan. 17. Guard Chris Snee is due an extension, though he’s signed through 2009. Brandon Jacobs is signed through 2009, though after a 1,009-yard season in only 11 games, he might command a raise, too. Among the starters, only safety Gibril Wilson and linebacker Kawika Mitchell are pending free agents.

5) WHAT CAN THE GIANTS DO FOR AN ENCORE?

Win more at Giants Stadium, after becoming the first team under .500 at home (3-5) to win a Super Bowl. Run a more consistent offense, probably one featuring more of Ahmad Bradshaw, right. They were the NFL’s third-youngest team, so a year of maturation will fuel their fire for 2008.