Giants Officially Sign Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie; Mathias Kiwanuka Accepts a Pay Cut

Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie – © USA TODAY Sports Images

New York Giants Officially Sign Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie: The New York Giants have officially confirmed that they have signed unrestricted free agent cornerback Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie (Denver Broncos).

Rodgers-Cromartie now joins fellow newcomers in the secondary cornerback Walter Thurmond (Seattle Seahawks) and safety Quintin Demps (Kansas City Chiefs).

“The main thing, bringing in guys from Kansas City, Seattle, you can see what they’re doing, trying to bring guys that are going to come in and lead by example,” Rodgers-Cromartie said. “That’s always a plus.”

Rodgers-Cromarties played with three other teams in six seasons: Arizona Cardinals (2008-10), Philadelphia Eagles (2011-12), and Broncos (2013).

“I was with (Antrel Rolle) for two years in Arizona,” Rodgers-Cromartie said. “He brought me in, took me under his wing and took care of me. So to be reunited with him is just a blessing. I know the things that he’s done in his career and the man he’s become. That’s going to be a help for me. I’m glad to be here. Especially with Antrel and talking with the defensive coaches and the staff and even coach Tom (Coughlin), just talking with them, it’s going to be good.”

Five of Rodgers-Cromartie’s 19 regular-season interceptions have been returned for touchdowns.

“It’s that knack (to score off an interception),” Rodgers-Cromartie said. “When I have the ball in my hands, I’m obviously looking to score. Any time I get my hands on the ball, that’s definitely what you play this game for, to get your hands on the ball and make things happen.”

Rodgers-Cromartie played in the NFC East for two years with the Eagles.  “In every division you have your teams that hate each other, but I could tell you it’s nothing like how New York and Philly and Dallas and Washington are,” said Rodgers-Cromartie. “This is definitely a tough division to play in. You have to be ready.”

“I definitely believe this is a championship team,” Rodgers-Cromartie said. “Starting with Eli, a great quarterback, a guy that you know can get it done. He’s done it, proven it before. They’re bringing in a lot of pieces, so I definitely think it’s going in the right direction. I haven’t really found anywhere to just call home for real. So if I can just settle down and find a place to be home, I know my best football is ahead of me.”

Mathias Kiwanuka Accepts a Pay Cut: According to NFL Player Association records, defensive end Mathias Kiwanuka’s 2014 base salary has been reduced from $4.375 million to $1.5 million. The New York Daily News is reporting that Kiwanuka accepted a pay cut and this is not a re-structure. For a listing of all New York Giant salaries, see the New York Giants Player Salaries section of the website.