The New York Giants have released Super Bowl hero Plaxico Burress in what is the latest development in the ongoing saga with the gun-slinging headache of a receiver.

This is a move that had some Giants fans scratching their heads, but if Big Blue wants to make another run at a title, the move was essential. With Burress’ criminal hearing pushed back until mid-June, and Plax laughing off the Giants’ recent restructured contract offer, Big Blue could ill afford to let this walking distraction take away from playing football anymore.

However, while cutting Burress eliminates a huge off-field distraction, it also opens up a gaping hole in the recieving corp. Here’s what the Giants can do to fill that void and push the Plax nightmare totally behind them:

1.  Look internally for new options

Steve Smith is a solid No. 2 receiver with promise and without too many flaws, but he may not have the skill set to flourish without a No. 1 receiver opposite him. Mario Manningham and Domenik Hixon, similarly, are promising young receivers with huge upside, but may lack the physicality and speed to be dominant NFL receivers.

Let’s not forget Super Bowl legend David Tyree, who could further cement his legacy if he were able to step up and have a breakout year. However, as evidenced throughout his career, he is best suited as a special teams contributor.

Tight end Kevin Boss is a nice all-around pass-catching tight end, but after him the depth of pass catchers is seriously thin, especially with the loss of Derrick Ward to Tampa Bay (41 recpetions for 384 yards in 2008). Ahmad Bradshaw will have to step it up for Big Blue out of the backfield, for sure, because Brandon Jacobs will be at his power-bulldozing best as an effective — but one-dimensional — back.

2.  Draft, trade or sign a play-making big name

The draft is one potential solution, but is not likely to yield as many immediate returns, as would obtaining studs Braylon Edwards and Anquan Boldin, both of whom the Giants should make a play at — even if they have to overpay. Big Blue is built to win now.

The Giants’ superb defense and running game puts them in position to be one of the best teams in the NFC once again in ‘09, and they have an opportunity to drastically improve before the season starts and get rid of the Plax hangover.

Plax may have shot himself in the leg, but the Giants weren’t about to let him do it to them, too.