2007 NY Giants Articles and Video

[jerseygiantfan]

Strahan wants

to plan for future

 

 

BY RALPH VACCHIANO

DAILY NEWS SPORTS WRITER

 

 

Michael Strahan

 

 

Michael Strahan plans to have a meeting in the coming days with new Giants GM Jerry Reese to discuss, among other things, the possibility of renegotiating or extending his contract and his long-term future with the team.

Strahan has two years and $8 million left on his contract, but he's 35 and according to sources he wants to know how much longer the Giants want and expect him to keep playing. A person who has spoken with him recently described his future plans as "year to year."

 

He also likely will be asking for more money at the meeting, which also will be attended by his agent, Tony Agnone. With the salary cap having risen dramatically the last two years, Strahan is a relative bargain for the Giants. But given his age, and considering he's lost half a season to injuries (a torn pec, a sprained foot) in two of the last three years, the Giants have no interest in extending his contract.

 

They are open to a creative restructuring and possibly sweetening the deal a little, according to a source. But they're not desperate to do it since they'll begin the free-agent signing period on Friday approximately $20 million under the salary cap.

 

Barring a major setback in his recovery from the foot sprain that limited him to nine games last season, Strahan is not in danger of being cut or traded. At the combine last week, Tom Coughlin said Strahan is progressing well in his rehabilitation and will not need surgery. Both Reese and Coughlin insisted they had no more cuts planned for now.

 

 

 

O'HARA WAITS: C Shaun O'Hara is considering the Giants' take-it-or-leave-it, six-year, $21.6 million offer. It's possible his side will attempt to reopen talks before Friday. ... TE Visanthe Shiancoe, a free agent, is not expected to be re-signed.

 

Originally published on February 27, 2007

[jerseygiantfan]

In a snap, Kuehl goes back to Blue

 

 

 

 

 

 

The Giants re-signed long-snapper Ryan Kuehl yesterday, three days before he would have become an unrestricted free agent.

The 10-year veteran has been with the Giants since 2003, signing right after two bad snaps by Trey Junkin led to the Giants' playoff collapse in San Francisco at the end of the 2002 season. Terms of the new deal were not disclosed.

[jerseygiantfan]

O'Hara gets Giant deal

 

 

 

BY RALPH VACCHIANO

DAILY NEWS SPORTS WRITER

 

 

After nearly leaving as free agent, center Shaun O'Hara sticks with Giants.

 

 

Giants GM Jerry Reese landed his first free agent late last night. Today he will move quickly to try to land a few more.

 

Just two hours before the free-agent market opened at midnight, Reese finalized a five-year, $19 million contract with center Shaun O'Hara, plugging what would have been a huge hole in the Giants' offensive line. The Giants got it done by increasing the "final" offer they had presented him a week ago by about $200,000 per season.

 

 

O'Hara will also get a $7.5 million signing bonus and will be paid $12 million in the first three years of the deal.

 

 

With O'Hara signed, the Giants were free to turn their attention in other directions as the market opened, and while they weren't expected to be major players for some of the bigger names - such as cornerback Nate Clements and linebacker Adalius Thomas - they were planning to be aggressive in pursuit of some second-tier free agents.

 

 

Among the players they planned to immediately chase were running back Dominic Rhodes, safety Michael Lewis, cornerback Roderick Hood and left tackle Leonard Davis. Rhodes, the Colts' Super Bowl star who was recently arrested for DUI, is expected to visit the Giants today. Lewis and Hood, who played under new Giants defensive coordinator Steve Spagnuolo in Philadelphia, might not be far behind.

 

 

"We will do as much as possible in free agency," Reese said. "There may be a possibility we can go for a couple of 'big' free agents. There's some mid-level guys we'll look at and there may be some guys at the bottom level we'll look at as well."

 

 

After signing O'Hara and tendering offers to three of their own restricted free agents - safety Gibril Wilson ($1.3 million), linebacker Reggie Torbor ($850,000) and running back Derrick Ward ($850,000) - the Giants are believed to be about $12 million-$14 million under the salary cap. But at least 20 teams are believed to have more money.

 

 

That could hurt the Giants at linebacker, where they have two huge holes after cutting LaVar Arrington and Carlos Emmons. They almost certainly can't afford Thomas, and might quickly get priced out of the bidding on Cato June.

 

 

Regardless, it appears their top priority is the 5-9, 203-pound Rhodes, who would be the ideal complement to the 6-4, 264-pound Brandon Jacobs, though he comes with the baggage from his Feb. 20 arrest. Asked at the scouting combine last week if that would eliminate Rhodes from the Giants' plans, Tom Coughlin said, "Well, it probably doesn't help him." Apparently it didn't hurt him much, either.

 

Blue-light special

 

Three players the Giants are expected to target in free agency:

 

 

 

RB Dominic Rhodes: From Super Bowl hero to Brandon Jacobs' backfield mate? A recent DUI arrest hasn't ruled him out.

 

 

LB Cato June: They won't get Adalius Thomas and they're desperate for linebackers, so they should make a big run at this former Pro Bowler.

 

 

S Michael Lewis: Big-hitter who was benched in Philly, but is only 26. Could spell the end for Will Demps.

 

Originally published on March 2, 2007

[jerseygiantfan]

Giants eye Super hero

 

Bring in Colts' Rhodes for talks and physical

 

BY RALPH VACCHIANO

DAILY NEWS SPORTS WRITER

 

 

Dominic Rhodes might be happy if he only has to carry ball 10-15 times a game as complement to Brandon Jacobs with Giants.

 

 

It took Dominic Rhodes a little longer than expected to get to Giants Stadium last night. Now the Giants are hoping to convince him to stay for awhile.

 

Rhodes, one of the stars of Super Bowl XLI, finally landed in New Jersey late yesterday after several hours of weather delays, according to his agent, and the Giants were expected to make a big push to sign him before he leaves today. And that's just the start of new GM Jerry Reese's aggressive approach to the free-agent market, which has included pitches to Cardinals left tackle Leonard Davis and Steelers linebacker Joey Porter.

 

 

The 5-9, 203-pound Rhodes was first in line, though. Despite his arrest for DUI in Indianapolis on Feb. 20, and the possibility that he could be suspended or fined by the NFL if he's convicted, the Giants see him as the ideal complement to Brandon Jacobs. According to someone who has spoken to Rhodes, the six-year veteran is fine splitting the backfield duties and getting 10-15 carries per game.

 

 

The 28-year-old has never been asked to carry the load for his team's ground attack. His career high in carries is 233 (for 1,104 yards), set as a rookie in 2001 when Edgerrin James was injured for the Colts. He had 187 carries for 641 yards last season as he shared time with rookie Joseph Addai, before breaking out with 21 carries for 113 yards in the Super Bowl against the Chicago Bears.

 

 

Rhodes might have been signed already by the Giants if the bad weather in the area hadn't delayed his flight. He did arrive in time to have dinner with team officials last night, and he will undergo a physical and meet with more team officials this morning.

 

 

Soon after that, Davis, a 6-6, 366-pound left tackle, will likely arrive. A team source said he was due in today, but his agent, Ryan Tollner, told the News last night that no visit had been scheduled. The 28-year-old Davis was in Dallas yesterday and plans to meet with the Washington Redskins today, and won't decide on any other visits until tonight.

 

 

Signing Davis would allow the Giants to replace the recently cut Luke Petitgout at left tackle without having to reshuffle other players on the offensive line.

 

 

Porter, a nine-year veteran who was cut by Pittsburgh on Thursday, likely will follow quickly. His agent, Jeff Sperbeck, confirmed that the .Giants had called yesterday to express their interest, but he had not set up any visits yet. The Dolphins and Browns were reportedly interested, too.

 

 

Porter was due a $1 million roster bonus in Pittsburgh on March 6 and was scheduled to make $3.5 million this season, so his price could be high. But the Giants are $12 million-$14 million under the salary cap, so they have room to spend. And since they cut LaVar Arrington and Carlos Emmons three weeks ago, the Giants have a need for outside linebackers on both sides of Antonio Pierce.

[jerseygiantfan]

Giants in no rush to secure Rhodes

 

 

 

BY RALPH VACCHIANO

DAILY NEWS SPORTS WRITER

 

 

Dominic Rhodes was still in New Jersey yesterday, but the eyes of the Giants were elsewhere.

Rhodes wrapped up his two-day visit with the Giants without a deal, even though the Giants were "favorably impressed" with the free-agent running back, according to a team source. Still, they were busy exploring other available options, including Travis Henry and Tatum Bell.

 

Henry was cut by Tennessee yesterday, two days before he was due an $8.3 million roster bonus. The 5-9, 215-pounder was on his way to Denver last night but his agent, Hadley Englehard, said the Giants had quickly called to express their interest after he was released.

 

Henry, 28, will decide whether he'll be taking any other visits after he meets with the Broncos today. The Packers, Raiders and Texans have all reportedly expressed their interest, too.

 

Meanwhile, two days after the 5-11, 213-pound Bell was traded to Detroit, he was back on the trading block, according to several NFL sources, and Giants GM Jerry Reese, who has made no secret about his willingness to trade for a running back, is believed to be interested. It's not clear what Detroit's asking price is, but Reese has said he will not part with a first-day draft pick in any deal.

 

 

TE Visanthe Shiancoe signed a five-year, $18 million deal with Minnesota.

 

Originally published on March 4, 2007

[jerseygiantfan]

Petitgout signs with Buccaneers

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Associated Press

Posted: 13 hours ago

 

 

 

TAMPA, Fla. (AP) - The Tampa Bay Buccaneers bolstered their offensive line on Tuesday by signing free-agent tackle Luke Petitgout.

 

Petitgout spent the last eight seasons with the New York Giants, who selected him in the first round of the 1999 draft. He's appeared in 113 games, including 106 starts, and has blocked for a 1,000-yard rusher six of his eight years in the league.

The 30-year-old started nine games at left tackle before breaking a leg against Chicago on Nov. 12 and missing the remainder of last season. He's also started games at left guard and right tackle during his career.

[jerseygiantfan]

Giants kick up effort for Feely

 

 

 

 

 

 

The Giants are making a last-ditch effort to re-sign kicker Jay Feely.

With Feely on the verge of signing with the Dolphins, the Giants stepped up their efforts to keep him, according to a source familiar with the negotiations. They had not shown much interest in bringing him back before Feely drew interest from his old team, the Falcons, and visited Miami on Monday. Feely, who has made 84% of his field goals (58-for-69) in two seasons with the Giants, is expected to make up his mind in the next few days.

 

Ex-Giants tackle Luke Petitgout signed with the Buccaneers yesterday. He reportedly got a three-year, $15.5 million contract. Also, free-agent receiver Kevin Curtis did not arrive for his scheduled visit with the Giants Monday night. His situation was complicated by the fact that he fired his agent that day, but the Giants still expect to visit with him.

 

 

Ralph Vacchiano

 

 

 

Originally published on March 7, 2007

[jerseygiantfan]

Giants opt to let Jay walk

 

 

 

By RALPH VACCHIANO

DAILY NEWS SPORTS WRITER

 

 

Jay Feely is officially out as the Giants' kicker, leaving an untested rookie to replace him next season.

Feely, according to a source familiar with the talks, did get one last, upgraded offer from the Giants late Tuesday night, but it turned out not to be much of an improvement. As a result, according to a league source, Feely is expected to sign with another team today.

 

Reports out of Miami have said that other team is "expected" to be the Miami Dolphins, though the Atlanta Falcons and Kansas City Chiefs were interested as well.

 

Feely, who connected on 84% of his field goals in two seasons with the Giants, was believed to be seeking a five-year, $10 million contract with $3 million guaranteed. But the Giants were not planning to approach those numbers and are apparently willing to let rookie Josh Huston become their full-time kicker.

 

Huston, who was signed in January, is a rookie out of Ohio State with only one full year of kicking experience at the college level. In 2005, as a fifth-year senior for the Buckeyes, he hit 22 of his 28 field goals and 44 of 45 extra points.

 

 

 

RUNNING MATE: Despite the addition of Thomas Jones, the Jets hosted former Redskins and Falcons running back T.J. Duckett yesterday.

[jerseygiantfan]

McGahee dealt as Giants dally

 

BY RALPH VACCHIANO

DAILY NEWS SPORTS WRITER

 

 

 

One week into the signing period, the Giants have yet to take a dip into the free-agent pool. Meanwhile, the running backs they were chasing are starting to get away.

 

Willis McGahee, whom Giants GM Jerry Reese expressed an interest in trading for while at the scouting combine two weeks ago, was dealt by Buffalo to Baltimore yesterday. The price was two third-round draft picks and a seventh-rounder. Reese had said he would not part with a draft pick in Rounds 1-3 - a stance that likely took the Giants out of the bidding.

 

Also, running back Dominic Rhodes, who visited the Giants on the first day of the signing period, was in Tennessee yesterday and is now on his way to Oakland. He also has visited Buffalo. And while his agent has discussed a contract with the Giants, they have never been close to a deal.

 

With McGahee gone and Rhodes seemingly going, there aren't many running back options left. The Giants have inquired about the availability of Tatum Bell, who is being shopped by the Lions, and reportedly have expressed an interest in free agent T.J. Duckett.

 

Meanwhile, Rams free-agent wide receiver Kevin Curtis wrapped up his visit with the Giants yesterday, and now will head down the turnpike to visit the Eagles today. Tomorrow, Curtis is officially allowed to hire his new agents (reportedly cousins Bruce and Ryan Tollner).

 

The Giants also still are interested in bringing cornerback Rod Hood and safety Deon Grant in for visits.

 

Originally published on March 9, 2007

[jerseygiantfan]

Droughns has big hopes for Big Blue

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Adam Schein / Special to FOXSports.com

Posted: 5 minutes ago

 

Maybe they didn't switch the coffee in the Giants offices to decaf after all.

 

After a confusing (the jettisoning of Luke Petitgout) and slow start to the business season, new GM Jerry Reese finally made his first pick-up, acquiring running back Reuben Droughns from Cleveland for oft-injured and underachieving receiver Tim Carter.

 

 

It's a step in the right direction for New York.

 

On Friday, right after Sirius' Adam Caplan broke the story during our show intro at 3:10, our superb executive producer Nick Pavlatos broke the news to Droughns himself!

 

Fifty minutes later, the newest Giants running back was on our show and extremely excited.

 

Droughns, who has two 1,200 yard seasons, is a big believer in Big Blue.

 

"I'm very excited about it. For me it's a great move. It's a good opportunity for me to go the Giants and take it to that next level. Once (the Browns) signed Jamal (Lewis) I figured they wanted to go in a different direction.

 

"It's really no hard feelings toward the Browns. They gave me an opportunity and I respect the opportunity that they gave me. Coach Crennel and (GM) Phil Savage, they did me some justice and now I'm a Giant so I'm excited about that. It's an exciting move. We've got the Manning brother and we've got a great defense in the Giants. I think it's going to be a positive year for us."

 

The role for Droughns will get played out in camp. He'll compete with or split time with young bruiser Brandon Jacobs, as the Giants move forward with life after Tiki Barber. Droughns says he and Jacobs, a fellow big back, will tire teams out in the fourth quarter.

 

Droughns believes that running the ball requires the work of two.

 

 

 

"For most teams it's been a two-back system. The two teams in the Super Bowl this year had a two-back system so we're going to complement each other very well."

 

What about replacing a Giants icon in Barber.

 

"You idolize a guy like Tiki Barber. He's been a great role model off the field and on the field. He's definitely going to be some big shoes to fill."

 

As the Giants sat back and watched free agents sign elsewhere for the first week of free agency, you wondered if players were staying away because of Tom Coughlin, whose job security is in doubt and whose disciplinarian ways have alienated some players. We had Hollis Thomas, who since re-upped with the Saints, say that he would never play for the Giants under these current conditions.

 

Droughns, on the other hand, is excited to play for a task master who knows how to win. "I just know he's a good coach. You hear your rumors and everything but his record speaks for itself. He does a good job getting the guys ready and prepared to play. I've had a lot of disciplinarian coaches in my past so I'm sure it won't be too much of a problem at all."

 

And the Giants will be getting an experienced back with a chip on his shoulder, who is more than OK sharing with Jacobs. That's a good combination. I think Droughns will have a very productive 2007.

 

Now if Reese could only find someone to join Antonio Pierce at linebacker, or someone who can make a play in the defensive backfield.

[jerseygiantfan]

Team Report: Inside Slant

 

Inside Slant | Notes and Quotes | Strategy and Personnel

The Giants didn't exactly land Thomas Jones or Jamal Lewis or even Willis McGahee, but they did acquire a veteran running back late Friday to take the pressure off young Brandon Jacobs.

 

They engineered a one-for-one trade with the Cleveland Browns, securing seven-year veteran Reuben Droughns for disappointing wide receiver Tim Carter, who was their second draft pick in 2002. His five-year career with the Giants was marred by injury, so much so that the fastest man on their roster was limited to 72 receptions over the five seasons, appearing in only 53 of 80 possible regular-season games.

 

"We wish Tim the best," said new general manager Jerry Reese. "Sometimes the best thing that can happen to a young player is to get a change of scene, a fresh start."

 

Droughns played the last two years in Cleveland after being the third-round draft choice of the Detroit Lions in 2000. In 2003 he was with Denver, then moved to Cleveland for the 2005 season.

 

"He has had two seasons of more than 1,200 yards," said Reese of the 5-11, 220-pound University of Oregon product. "We think he gives us a nice veteran presence and complements Brandon Jacobs and the rest of our running back group nicely."

 

The trade -- the first one-for-one transaction by the Giants since they swapped linebacker Brad Van Pelt to the Minnesota Vikings for running back Tony Galbreath way back in 1984 -- clearly takes the Giants out of the race for a first-round running back.

 

They can now concentrate on one of their several other needs, such as defensive tackle, cornerback, offensive (left) tackle and outside linebacker.

 

"We are constantly working to make this team better," Reese said. "I know the perception is that we haven't done anything since we haven't brought in a free agent, but we have had several interviews, made a couple of offers and for one reason or another it hasn't worked out. But we still have a long way to go in free agency, then the draft, then the rest of the off-season."

 

Droughns is a start. But it's a long way from the finish line.

[jerseygiantfan]

Few moves have Giants left out in cold

 

BY GARY MYERS

DAILY NEWS COLUMNIST

 

Sunday, March 11th 2007, 1:56 PM

 

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One of the Giants' most chaotic seasons in their 82-year history ended two months ago with another first-round playoff loss. Now, they are making up for all the tumult with a virtually invisible offseason. The free-agent market opened March 2 and so far the Giants are sitting it out.

 

Clearly, their current team is not as good as the one that ended the season: Tiki Barber retired; Jay Feely signed with the Dolphins; Luke Petitgout, who missed the final seven games after breaking his leg, was cut along with LaVar Arrington, Chad Morton and Carlos Emmons. How wild is this market? Tight end Visanthe Shiancoe, who was Jeremy Shockey's backup, signed a five-year, $18.2 million deal with the Vikings, $7 million of that guaranteed.

 

In a market that has exploded because of the abundance of salary cap room and despite a lack of elite talent, the Giants have elected not to get involved for now. Fortunately for them, the Cowboys, Redskins and Eagles have not done much to help themselves either. Giants GM Jerry Reese finally made his first move Friday - the eighth day of the market - by trading unproductive wide receiver Tim Carter to Cleveland for journeyman running back Reuben Droughns, who'll be playing for his fourth team in eight seasons.

 

"Things seem quiet, but trust me, we're working out butts off. Free agency isn't over after the first week," Reese said in an e-mail before the Droughns trade was announced. "We are trying to do what makes sense and make the best decisions for the New York Giants. We'll keep working."

 

Reese could very well be waiting for the market to settle down and then look to fill in his roster at a more reasonable cost. Or he could just be waiting for the draft.

 

Either way, this is a team with issues:

 

* Tom Coughlin, who barely avoided getting fired after the Giants followed a 6-2 start with a 2-6 finish and a wild-card loss in Philly, must win this year to keep his job. He was not Reese's hire and eventually all general managers want their own coach. Reese, on the job just a couple of months, certainly has his own ideas and timetable for how to build a team. His offseason moves indicate he wants to get the Giants younger and healthier, which won't necessarily result in more victories right away. That won't help Coughlin get another contract extension.

 

Cutting Petitgout, the Giants' best lineman last year until he was injured, does nothing to help Coughlin win this year. Petitgout was due to make $5 million and the Giants had concerns about his recurring back problems. Unless the Giants can find a Lomas Brown type as a stopgap at left tackle for a year or two, guard David Diehl will most likely move out to protect Eli Manning's blind side, with Rich Seubert taking over at left guard.

 

* New quarterbacks coach Chris Palmer may be the most important change - player or coach - going into the season. He's now in charge of Manning, which is a big job. If the Giants have seen the best of Manning, their immediate future is bleak. Manning is the fourth quarterback picked No. 1 overall that Palmer will tutor: He worked with Drew Bledsoe, Tim Couch and David Carr as rookies. He's 1-for-3. Kevin Gilbride worked with Manning for three years, didn't get him to the next level, was promoted to offensive coordinator and will call the plays.

 

* Barber's yards will never be replaced, even though the Giants expect a lot from Brandon Jacobs and Droughns has twice rushed for over 1,200 yards. Since Barber is not going to come out of retirement, the Giants needed a second back to share the job with Jacobs. They made the deal for Droughns after six of the top backs in the market had already switched teams: Thomas Jones (Jets), Willis McGahee (Ravens), Jamal Lewis (Browns), Travis Henry (Broncos), Dominic Rhodes (Raiders) and Ahman Green (Texans). Considering Barber has been the Giants' offense, it's no surprise Jacobs has not carried more than 11 times in a game. Can he be a 20-carry back? As much punishment as he delivers because he's bigger than most linebackers, he still must become more elusive or the hits will wear him down. If Cal's RB Marshawn Lynch slips to the Giants' spot at No. 20, he could be their guy.

 

Reese has not improved the Giants in his first two months on the job. He's got about 140 days until training camp opens to make some impact moves or he will be looking for a new coach in January.

 

What a bargain

 

Lawrence Taylor had to hold out until five days before the 1990 season opener to get a three-year, $4.5 million contract from the Giants. In 1993, his final season when he was 34, he played for a career-high $2.8 million in the first year of free agency. Can you imagine what LT would make in 2007 as an unrestricted free agent?

 

"If I was playing today, it would be called Taylor and Giants Stadium. I might let them put their name first," LT said with a big laugh by cell phone. "They would have to borrow money from the Jets to pay for me. I couldn't imagine how much money I would have made."

 

The Steelers cut LB Joey Porter before free agency to avoid paying him a $1 million roster bonus, a $4 million base salary and then having to negotiate with him as a free agent next year. Even though there's been plenty of talk that Porter, who will be 30 in 11 days, has reached the downside of his career, the Dolphins incredibly gave him a five-year, $32 million contract with $20 million guaranteed. Even at his peak, Porter was never in LT's league.

 

The Giants surely would have franchised LT, but with a salary cap of $109 million this year, $30 million in guaranteed money on a long-term deal for the greatest linebacker in NFL history would have been market value. That's more than Taylor made from the Giants for his entire 13-year career.

 

"I would have been getting quarterback money," LT said. "Michael Jordan money. Me and Shaquille O'Neal would be trying to figure out who had the biggest contract."

 

Turn-er of events

 

Prior to the Jets trading for Jones, league sources said GM Mike Tannenbaum called Chargers GM A.J. Smith to ask about RB Michael Turner. Smith tendered Turner, a restricted free agent, at $2.35 million with the compensation being first- and third-round draft picks if the Chargers don't match an offer sheet. Smith told Tannenbaum he was not open to negotiating the compensation and the Jets then traded for Jones. Smith, who will lose Turner as an unrestricted free agent next year, wants him as insurance behind LaDainian Tomlinson one more year. Turner rushed for 502 yards with a 6.3 average last season. ...Notre Dame QB Brady Quinn is all over the board for the April 28 draft. The Raiders are expected to take LSU QB JaMarcus Russell with the first pick. The Lions, at No. 2, won't take a quarterback in the first round until they get over the trauma of the Joey Harrington experience, which will be in 10-20 years. If the Lions take Wisconsin OT Joe Thomas and don't trade down to a team that wants Quinn, then the first potential landing spot for Quinn, an Ohio product, is Cleveland at No. 3. But the Browns are leaning toward Oklahoma RB Adrian Peterson even though last week they signed just Jamal Lewis, who is just about used up. It's a one-year deal. The Vikings (7th), Texans (8th) and Dolphins (9th) could each try to move up for Quinn or hope he falls to them. The Texans are ready to move Carr. ...The Bears are just one big happy family after their Super Bowl appearance. They traded Jones, their best running back, because they didn't want to pay him. They've had major turnover on Lovie Smith's coaching staff and now Pro Bowl LB Lance Briggs is so unhappy with being slapped with the franchise tag - he will get paid $7.2 million - he says he doesn't want play for them anymore. Briggs wants a long-term deal but the Bears are not negotiating after he turned down a six-year, $33 million deal last year. The relationship has gotten ugly. The NFLPA decisively won last year's CBA negotiations, but should have given something back to management in return for the abolition of the franchise tag. ...There's big money for the big guys: Offensive linemen Eric Steinbach (Browns), Kris Dielman (Chargers), Derrick Dockery (Bills) and Leonard Davis (Cowboys) signed deals totalling $71.25 in guaranteed money with each getting at least $17 million guaranteed. Combined Pro Bowls: 0.

 

Movers and shakers

 

The free agent/trading market is just 10 days old, but almost all of the big names are home counting their new millions. Here are the five who will have the most impact:

 

Adalius Thomas, Patriots: Versatile LB who will keep Bill Belichick busy finding ways to use him.

 

Thomas Jones, Jets: Just like Tiki Barber - he's gotten better as he's gotten older.

 

Willis McGahee, Ravens: Saying Bills should move to Toronto doomed him in Buffalo.

 

Jeff Garcia, Bucs: Jon Gruden loves older QBs. Why not Phil Simms to compete with Chris?

 

Travis Henry, Broncos: He will get 1,500 yards in Mike Shanahan's system.

[TaylorBanksCarsonVanPelt]

Hilarious comments by LT. LOL. I think the league would have had to loan the Giants extra cash to pay for the greatest defensive player ever.

[jerseygiantfan]

Giants tell Droughns he'll split time with Jacobs

Associated Press

obs

andJacobs

NEWARK, N.J. -- The New York Giants plan to replace the retired Tiki Barber with two running backs.

 

At least that's what they have told newcomer Reuben Droughns, who was acquired last week in a trade with Cleveland for receiver Tim Carter.

 

"They said it's definitely going to be a 1-2 punch," Droughns said in a conference call on Monday, shortly after he passed a physical and officially joined the Giants, where he will pair up with Brandon Jacobs.

 

"Brandon and me will be kind of a pound-it-out running style, so we'll try to wear down the defenses and work together," Droughns said.

 

The two Super Bowl teams both alternated halfbacks last season. Indianapolis used Dominic Rhodes and Joseph Addai, while Chicago used Thomas Jones and Cedric Benson.

 

With Jacobs and Droughns, coach Tom Coughlin is going to have a pair of big bodies to run behind fullback Jim Finn. Droughns is 5-foot-11 and 220, small compared to Jacobs, 6-4 and 264.

 

The two met for the first time on Monday and Droughns, who rushed for more than 1,200 yards in both 2004 and 2005 and 750 last season, was impressed.

 

"Oh, yeah. He's a big young fella," the seven-year veteran said.

 

Droughns took the blame for his drop in production last season, but he noted that the Browns' offensive line was ravaged by injuries. Coming to the Giants, he said was a fresh start.

 

It's so new, it was obvious that he did not want to create waves with Jacobs, the third-year running back who rushed 96 times for 423 yards (4.4 yard average) and nine touchdowns.

 

"It's not my job," Droughns said when asked if he considered the starting halfback job open. "It's Brandon's, because he was the guy who's here. Brandon's next in line. It's his job to lose, but I'm sure he doesn't want to lose it. It's going to be a good competition in training camp."

 

There wasn't going to be a competition for the Browns' starting job this season. Droughns realized that last week after former Baltimore Raven Jamal Lewis to a one-year, $3.5 million contract with the Browns.

 

"I knew my role was slimming down," Droughns said. "Our union had basically fallen apart. They were either going to release me or trade me."

 

Copyright 2007 by The Associated Press

[jerseygiantfan]

Jacobs' rush job

Big man has big plans to carry Giants

 

BY RALPH VACCHIANO

DAILY NEWS SPORTS WRITER

 

Wednesday, March 14th 2007, 12:35 PM

 

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Brandon Jacobs thinks he's earned the starting RB spot with the Giants.

 

Reuben Droughns, the newest Giant, is looking forward to a running back competition this summer that he said "the best man is going to win."

 

According to Brandon Jacobs, the best man already has.

 

"I think I've earned the opportunity to be the main guy," Jacobs told the Daily News yesterday. "I can be just as good as anybody else in the league. I can be just as good as your top Pro Bowl guy. That's not even a concern to me. I think I'm most definitely going to get my opportunity to carry 20-25 times per game. I can't wait."

 

The confident Jacobs likely will get at least that next season, since he's the heir apparent to Tiki Barber, even though the Giants traded receiver Tim Carter to Cleveland for Droughns on Friday. The trade became official when both players passed physicals yesterday, a few hours before Droughns and Jacobs met at Giants Stadium and set up plans to go to lunch. That will be the first of many things they share, since the plan is to let the 5-11, 220-pound Droughns get 10-15 carries per game - possibly including some short-yardage - to keep the 6-4, 265-pound Jacobs healthy and to give him an occasional break. Jacobs welcomed the deal for Droughns, whom he called "a small, powerful-type guy," and said, "It's going to be a pleasure to play with him."

 

Yet Jacobs made it clear he expects to be "the man" in the Giants' backfield. He's ready to shed the short-yardage role which led to only 96 carries (and 423 yards) last season. And he's been working hard in the offseason with Barber's old trainer, Joe Carini, to make sure he's ready for the increased load.

 

LEG UP: Kicker Olindo Mare, displaced in Miami after the Dolphins signed former Giant Jay Feely last week, has drawn some interest from the Giants. The Dolphins are reportedly trying to trade him, but are more likely to release him in the coming weeks.

Daily News Specials

[jerseygiantfan]

New York Giants linebacker Brandon Short was counting his blessings yesterday after getting stuck in the crossfire of Wednesday night's deadly Greenwich Village shootout. The football player was in a Bleecker St. jewelry shop, next door to the leather goods store where police killed the gunman who had just executed two auxiliary cops and a bartender. "I was fearful for my life," said Short, 29. "There were bullets flying everywhere." Short said he had just had dinner with a friend and was walking through the Village. He said the two slain auxiliary cops, Nick Pekearo and Eugene Marshalik, hurried past him just before he went into the jewelry store. When gunfire erupted, Short said he ran to the back of the store and dropped to the floor. A police officer, he said, was standing in the doorway firing at suspect David Garvin next door. Police fired 56 shots to bring Garvin down.

Posted March 16, by Ben Malle

[jerseygiantfan]

A report that the Giants have extended quarterback Eli Manning's contract through the 2012 season is not true, according to the team. The Giants weeks ago triggered a buy-back option that increased Manning's salaries for the last three years of the deal, which terminates after the 2009 season. The final two years of the contract would have been voided if they were not bought back

Posted March 20, by Ben Maller

 

 

Jeremy Shockey and Plaxico Burress were again among the no-shows as the Giants opened their offseason workout program yesterday. Both players have annually skipped the technically voluntary program to work out with personal trainers in Miami. New Giants GM Jerry Reese had said he hoped to talk the tight end and wide receiver into attending at least part of the program this year. And quarterback Eli Manning said in January that he thought Burress "might be here a little bit more this offseason." It's possible they both still will attend part of the program, which runs through June.

Posted March 20, by Ben Maller

[jerseygiantfan]

Team Report: Inside Slant

 

Inside Slant | Notes and Quotes | Strategy and Personnel

So far, in his two and a half seasons as the starting quarterback of the Giants, Eli Manning has avoided any long-term injuries. In other words, he hasn't missed a game.

 

This has a lot to do with luck and the enemy is the law of probabilities. But now, especially without a veteran left tackle on the team, those probabilities might create the kind of emergency head coach Tom Coughlin is ill-prepared to handle.

 

It would be catastrophic for the Giants to lose the promising Manning for anything approaching a meaningful period of time, since their two backups are Tim Hasselbeck, who has played and not done well; and Jared Lorenzen, who hasn't played.

 

The idea of obtaining a veteran who might be able to play should that no-Eli emergency come to pass should have occurred to the front office and the coaching staff long ago, but research indicates there simply aren't any true quality backups to be had.

 

Jeff Garcia was ignored by the Philadelphia Eagles but he quickly signed in Tampa Bay, and he was undoubtedly the best veteran available. The Cowboys released Drew Bledsoe but his career appears to have run its course. So who's left in the unrestricted free agent market?

 

You may pick from Doug Johnson and Anthony Wright of Cincinnati; Tim Rattay of Tampa Bay; Todd Bouman of Green Bay; Shane Matthews of Miami; old-timer Vinny Testaverde of New England; and Koy Detmer of Philadelphia.

 

The best of that sparse litter might be Rattay.

 

The Giants probably won't draft a quarterback and while they might explore the pros and cons of Rattay, who has been a starter, they won't do it too seriously and certainly not if it involves any real expense.

 

So the next best thing is to find a veteran left tackle to protect their present and future star, Manning. That's where they run into a similar problem -- there aren't enough veteran left tackles around, and they recently released their own, Luke Petitgout (who was snapped up quickly by Tampa Bay). They have interviewed players such as Matt Lehr of Atlanta and Corey Hulsey of Oakland, but they are guards.

 

At the moment, the Giants plan to move left guard David Diehl to left tackle and put reserve guard Rich Seubert at Diehl's spot.

 

To some, that is simply asking for trouble.

[jerseygiantfan]

Manning deal keeps QB in New York 3 more seasons

By Len Pasquarelli

ESPN.com

 

In a move planned since the day Eli Manning signed his rookie contract, the New York Giants have exercised a $5 million "buyback" option, raising to $20 million the amount of total bonus money that the quarterback has earned since he entered the league as the top overall choice in the 2004 draft.

 

Without the buyback bonus, the 2007 season would have been the last on Manning's deal, and he would have been eligible for unrestricted free agency next spring. Even with his inconsistent performance at times, the Giants weren't about to allow that to happen. The buyback means that Manning, who has been the team's starter since the second half of his rookie campaign, remains under contract to the Giants through the 2009 season.

 

There was a published report on Monday that the Giants had extended Manning's contract through the 2012 season, but that was erroneous. Manning remains under the six-year deal, worth $45 million-$54 million, that he signed in July 2004 and there have been no major alterations to his contract.

 

Under that contract, Manning received an initial signing bonus of $3 million in 2004. In March of 2005, the Giants paid him a guaranteed $9 million option bonus. But under the terms of the contract, Manning could void the 2008-2010 seasons by reaching minimum playing time standards in any of the first three years of the deal, which he accomplished.

 

By reaching those thresholds, Manning triggered a guaranteed $3 million roster bonus, which was paid earlier this month. That raised his total bonus money to $15 million.

 

The Giants then had the right to "buy back" the 2008-2009 seasons, which had been voided, for an additional $5 million bonus, which they did. Essentially, the team restored two years that had voided, retaining Manning through 2009.

 

The buyback clause, basically a mechanism for adding bonus money to a deal, has become fairly conventional in recent years for contracts signed by quarterbacks chosen early in the first round. Last year, the Houston Texans paid quarterback David Carr a buyback bonus of $8 million to restore three seasons of his contract that had voided.

 

By paying the buyback in Manning's deal, the Giants set his base salaries at $8 million for 2008 and $8.5 million for 2009. The former University of Mississippi star can earn further performance bonuses of $1.5 million each in 2007-2009, but those are conditional on the Giants making the playoffs and Manning ranking among the top five quarterbacks in the league in a variety of statistical categories.

 

Manning, 26, has appeared in 41 games, with 39 starts, in his three seasons. He has completed 690 of 1,276 passes for 8,049 yards, with 54 touchdown passes, 44 interceptions, and a passer rating of 73.2.

 

Len Pasquarelli is a senior writer for ESPN.com.

[jerseygiantfan]

Shockey, Burress no-shows at Giants camp

Tuesday, March 20th 2007, 9:24 AM

 

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Jeremy Shockey and Plaxico Burress were again among the no-shows as the Giants opened their offseason workout program yesterday.

 

Both players have annually skipped the technically voluntary program to work out with personal trainers in Miami. New Giants GM Jerry Reese had said he hoped to talk the tight end and wide receiver into attending at least part of the program this year. And quarterback Eli Manning said in January that he thought Burress "might be here a little bit more this offseason."

 

It's possible they both still will attend part of the program, which runs through June.

 

Among the players who did attend yesterday were Michael Strahan, who is recovering from a badly sprained foot, and William Joseph, who has skipped the program in the past.

 

Also, the Giants are on the verge of acquiring their first free agent, after they signed restricted free agent fullback Vonta Leach to an offer sheet yesterday.

 

The Houston Texans now have seven days to match the four-year, $7.5 million offer that includes $1.6 million in guarantees. If the Texans decline, the 6-foot, 250-pound Leach would join the Giants, who would not owe Houston any compensation.

 

Leach, 25, split time at fullback for the Texans last season, but is considered to be a powerful blocker. His signing would presumably be bad news for Jim Finn, who has been the Giants' fullback for the last four seasons and is signed through 2009. - Ralph Vacchiano

[jerseygiantfan]

Giants eye Bronco LB Wilson

 

Friday, March 23rd 2007, 4:00 AM

 

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Read Ralph Vacchiano's The Blue Screen Blog

 

Giants GM Jerry Reese still hasn't signed any free agents, but he might be on the verge of making his second trade.

 

Reese is exploring the possibility of trading for Denver Broncos middle linebacker Al Wilson, according to a team and a league source. The sources both stressed that the talks are in their "initial stages," though a report on the NFL Network indicated Wilson could be traded to the Giants over the weekend.

 

Wilson, 29, is a four-time Pro Bowler with 21-1/2 career sacks and is scheduled to make $5.2 million this season. He's being pursued by the Lions and Eagles as well.

 

If Wilson lands in New York, it would create a logjam at middle linebacker, where the Giants already have Pro Bowler Antonio Pierce. One of them would have to move outside, where the Giants have two vacancies after cutting Carlos Emmons and LaVar Arrington.

 

It is not clear what Denver's asking price would be for Wilson. However, back in February, Reese made it clear he is not willing to trade a first-day draft pick.

 

Reese made his first trade as GM of the Giants on March 9, sending receiver Tim Carter to Cleveland for running back Reuben Droughns.

[jerseygiantfan]

Bum deals for Big Blue

 

Saturday, March 24th 2007, 4:00 AM

 

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The Giants went 0-for-2 yesterday, losing out on Broncos linebacker Al Wilson and probably losing out on Texans fullback Vonta Leach as well.

 

They lost Wilson when trade talks collapsed after the 29-year-old linebacker apparently failed his physical. He was in New York yesterday to be examined by Giants doctors. Hours later, a team source said a deal was unlikely.

 

The Giants, according to sources, had discussed acquiring the five-time Pro Bowler for a package of draft picks. No Giants players were included in the proposed deal.

 

As for Leach, the Texans announced that they had re-signed the restricted free agent by matching the terms of the four-year, $7.2 million offer sheet he had signed with the Giants on Monday. Hours later, however, they retracted that announcement, saying they had not matched the offer sheet "yet."

 

Still, according to several sources, the Texans will match it before the midnight Monday deadline. They cleared the salary cap room to do it yesterday when they cut quarterback David Carr and running back Domanick Williams (formerly known as Domanick Davis).

 

So far, the only new player to join the Giants' fold is running back Reuben Droughns, who was acquired from Cleveland in a trade for receiver Tim Carter eariler this month.

 

 

 

Ralph Vacchiano

Daily News Specials

 

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[jerseygiantfan]

Giants want look at USC's Jarrett

 

Sunday, March 25th 2007, 4:00 AM

 

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THE GIANTS STILL desperately need at least one outside linebacker now that their proposed trade for Denver linebacker Al Wilson is all but dead. But they're also searching for help at receiver, too.

 

That's why they reportedly will be interviewing USC's Dwayne Jarrett, arguably one of the top four receivers in the NFL draft, sometime in the next few weeks. The 6-4, 219-pounder still could be available when the Giants pick 20th in the first round on April 28.

 

With Amani Toomer turning 33 next season and trying to come back from a torn ACL, the Giants need youth at the position. They traded receiver Tim Carter to Cleveland in February for running back Reuben Droughns. They also made a failed run at free-agent receiver Kevin Curtis.

 

Jarrett is an intriguing prospect, but he's also just one of hundreds of players the Giants will have met in the months before the draft, either at the NFL combine, school Pro Days, individual workouts or in private interviews. A team source said the Giants believe there are three or four linebackers worthy of the 20th pick and they will have interviewed and worked out all of them by draft day as well. - Ralph Vacchiano

[jerseygiantfan]

Giants to open on the road at Dallas

 

THE ASSOCIATED PRESS

 

Tuesday, March 27th 2007, 1:13 AM

 

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EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J. - For the second straight year, the New York Giants will open the season with a Sunday night game.

 

The NFL announced Monday that the Giants will play the Cowboys in Dallas on Sept. 9 in a nationally televised game on NBC-TV.

 

While the league won't announce the rest of its schedule until next month, the Giants also know they will play Miami on Oct. 28 in London. It will be the first NFL regular season game to be played outside of North America.

 

The Giants (8-8) will play a home game the week prior to the London trip and a bye the week after.

 

The season opener will mark the regular-season debut of Wade Phillips as Dallas' new head coach. He replaced Bill Parcells, who retired after last season.

 

The Giants and Cowboys made the playoffs as wild card teams last season, losing in the first round.

 

Dallas and New York split their games last season, each winning on the road.

 

Eli Manning threw two touchdown passes as the Giants earned a 36-22 Monday night victory in Dallas on Oct. 23. Martin Gramatica kicked a 46-yard field goal with 1 second to play to give the Cowboys to a 23-20 win on Dec. 3.

 

Last year's season opener was the well-hyped game of the Manning brothers. Peyton and the Indianapolis Colts posted a 26-21 win in the first NFL game where brothers faced each other as starting quarterbacks.

 

The Giants are 46-31-5 on opening day, including 32-20-5 on the road. They last opened against Dallas in 1995, losing 35-0. Their most recent opener in Texas Stadium was on Sept. 8, 1986, when they fell, 31-28.

 

The only other time they faced the Cowboys in an opening game in Dallas was on Sept. 19, 1965, a 31-2 loss.

[jerseygiantfan]

Giants get free agent LB Mitchell

 

BY RALPH VACCHIANO

DAILY NEWS SPORTS WRITER

 

Tuesday, March 27th 2007, 9:54 AM

 

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It took 24 days to actually happen, but the Giants have finally landed the first free agent of the Jerry Reese era.

 

The rookie GM's team agreed to terms yesterday with linebacker Kawika Mitchell on one-year deal worth approximately $1 million, according to an NFL source. The 27-year-old former Kansas City Chief was in the New York area yesterday meeting with Giants officials, and as long as he passed his physical, he was expected to sign the deal.

 

An official announcement is expected sometime today.

 

The 6-1, 253-pound Mitchell started at middle linebacker in Kansas City the last two seasons, but he will switch to the outside with the Giants and play alongside middle linebacker Antonio Pierce. It is believed he'll play on the strong side, though the coaches will likely determine that later this spring.

 

Despite back-to-back 100-tackle seasons, Mitchell wasn't drawing much interest on the free-agent market and he wasn't high on the Giants' wish list when the market opened. However, after their proposed trade for Denver linebacker Al Wilson fell through on Friday when Wilson failed his physical, the Giants settled for Mitchell.

 

Mitchell is the first free agent to agree to terms with the Giants this offseason, after they made failed runs at running back Dominic Rhodes (Raiders), receiver Kevin Curtis (Eagles) and tackle Leonard Davis (Cowboys). So far the only move Reese has been able to make was a trade - sending receiver Tim Carter to Cleveland for running back Reuben Droughns.

 

The Giants did sign restricted free agent fullback Vonta Leach to a four-year, $7.2 million offer sheet, but as expected, the Houston Texans officially matched that yesterday afternoon.