New York Giants Sign Chris Canty: The Giants officially announced yesterday that they have signed unrestricted free agent DT/DE Chris Canty (Dallas Cowboys). Canty reportedly signed a 6-year, $42 million deal that includes $17.5 million in guaranteed money. Canty arrived in the area on Saturday and his visit continued on Sunday.
The Giants have signed three high-profile players since free agency started on Friday: LB Michael Boley (Atlanta Falcons), DT Rocky Bernard (Seattle Seahawks), and now Canty.
“We had a conviction on who we liked in the free agent market and who could help us get better,” said General Manager Jerry Reese. “We let the three players know that, and the feeling was mutual. They want to win, and they wanted to be here. Fortunately, we were able to get the deals done quickly.”
“Chris is an athletic, big man who can play anywhere in our front,” said Reese. “He gives us a lot of flexibility in that respect. Our defensive line did a very good job last year, but without Osi (Umenyiora) and Stray (Michael Strahan), we seemed to get worn down late in the season and we weren’t able to generate the kind of pass rush that we’re accustomed to. Hopefully with the addition of Rocky and Chris, and with Osi coming back, that won’t happen again.”
“This is an outstanding ‘get’ for the New York Giants,” said Head Coach Tom Coughlin. “Chris is a very highly-touted player. He is an outstanding football player. I always like the idea of getting a player who has competed within the division.”
“I’m excited about getting the opportunity to come here and be a part of this team and this organization,” said Canty. “I’m so happy. The Giants have a great winning tradition, and I am excited to come here and have a chance to win a championship.”
In eight regular-season games against the Giants, Canty has accrued 24 tackles and 3.0 sacks – his highest totals against any opponent. “I always get excited when I come up here to play,” said Canty.
“That’s a big factor,” said Coughlin of Canty’s play against the Giants. “He has played some outstanding games against us. Our offensive linemen know the quality of the player. He is very talented and serious about his work.”
Canty was born in the Bronx. “He spent the first 11 years of his life in New York and he still has family here,” said Coughlin, “and when we met he even talked about how special this area still is to him and the feeling he got flying back here.”
“Chris can play both tackle and end,” said Coughlin. “He has been a 3-4 end, but he is a big, strong guy who can play inside on first and second downs and then move outside to end.”
“I would love to do that (play inside and outside),” said Canty. “I don’t think it’s going to be a big deal. I did some gap scheme things in Dallas. I am excited for the opportunity to do whatever they want me to do.”
Latest on HB Derrick Ward: Unrestricted free agent HB Derrick Ward (New York Giants) visited the Broncos on Sunday and is scheduled to visit the Buccaneers today. The Star-Ledger is reporting that reports of Ward having visited the Eagles this past weekend are not true though he could still travel to Philadelphia at some point.
The Ledger reports that the Giants turned down an offer by Ward to return to the Giants for a multi-year contract worth $3 million per season.
Latest on WR Amani Toomer: According to The Star-Ledger, unrestricted free agent WR Amani Toomer (New York Giants) still does not have a visit set up with another team.
Quotes: General Manager Jerry Reese on LB Antonio Pierce: “Right now, Antonio is a very good football player for us.”
