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Giants veteran guard/tackle David Diehl played in 164 regular-season games and 11 postseason games. He started at left tackle in Super Bowl XLII and XLVI.

(Chris Faytok/The Star-Ledger)

Each day until Feb. 2, the final day of the 2013 NFL season, we're going to break down a Giants free agent. We'll analyze his season, his future and the odds of him re-signing with the team this offseason.

Position: Guard/Tackle

2013 Stats: Started 11 games at right guard

'13 salary: $1,000,000

David Diehl, an 11-year veteran, is expected to announce his retirement in the coming weeks as his body can no longer withstand the pounding in the NFL trenches. He’ll walk away as one of the most durable, toughest and versatile offensive linemen in Giants' history.

Drafted in the fifth round (160th overall) in 2003 out of Illinois, Diehl was no sure bet to make the roster. Not only did he make the team, he became the first rookie to start all 16 games since tight end Mark Bavaro in 1985.

Diehl, 6-foot-5, 315 pounds (most of his career), started the first 120 regular-season games and seven postseason games of his career over seven-plus seasons, the longest such streak by a Giant since the start of the 16-game season in 1978.

During the streak, he started at right guard, left guard, right tackle and left tackle. Diehl, who played in 164 regular-season games and 11 postseason games, started at left tackle in Super Bowl XLII and XLVI. He earned Pro Bowl honors in 2009.

After a subpar 2012 season, Diehl returned with vigor this season, reshaping his body and playing at 300-305 pounds. But the years of pounding had caught up to Diehl and he wasn’t the player he once was.

Quarterback Eli Manning was sacked a career-high 39 times and the Giants ranked 28th in the NFL in total offense as the offensive line struggled.

Nonetheless, Diehl’s legacy is in place. He’ll go down as one of the best mid-round draft picks in club history and a tough-as-granite performer.

Chance for a return: 0%

Why? The spirit is willing but Diehl has gotten everything he could out of his body and it's time to move on.

Projected contract: N/A

