For the start of the Jerry Reese era as the GM of the New York Giants, one thing is clear: "We don't want you if you don't want to be here."  This became evidently clear when the Giants decided not to bend over backwards in trying to convince Tiki Barber to comeback, even if that meant firing coach Tom Coughlin in the process.  They appear to be sending the same message to Michael Strahan, that they're not afraid to sign Simeon Rice or hand the DE spot to youngster Justin Tuck. 

This is all somewhat reminiscent of the Dan Reeves era when the old guard of Bill Parcells Giants was shown the door and there were contract disputes with QB Phil Simms amongst others.  However, these Giants aren't nearly in as bad of shape as those Giants talent wise.

Perhaps now the message has been sent, that virtually everyone is expendible.  That of course could usher in the possibilty that Coughlin has more backing that originally thought and that a youth movement would work more to Coughlin's advantage.  To Coughlin's credit he is a very sound technical coach, however his handling of players and drill sargent mentality has made for a team that comes out as gang-busters but wears down and fades late due to injuries. 

Given that Reese has cut a lot of dead weight in Carlos Emmons, Luke Petitgout and LaVar Arrington, would it really suprise anyone if Strahan was given the "Bernie Williams treatment?"  After all, despite having a Pro-Bowl season in 2005 with 81 tackles and 11.5 sacks, Strahan has missed 15 games due to injury over the last three seasons. 

If healthy Strahan still has the talent and his leadership would be a plus to a relatively young defense.  However if he wants L.T.'s sack record, like his old coach Jim Fassel once said, "the chips are on the table," if Strahan wants in, he's in, if he wants out the Giants will call his bluff.