Safety Kenny Phillips – Photo by Icon Sports Media

Article on Safety Kenny Phillips: Kenny Phillips Not Worried About New York Giants Signing Safety Antrel Rolle by Ralph Vacchiano of The Daily News

Updated Player Salaries Section: We have updated the Player Salaries section of the website.

Quotes: Safety Antrel Rolle on why he signed with the New York Giants: “When I went to New York, I got the same feeling I got when I was being recruited out of high school to the University of Miami. It’s just a feeling of feeling like this is where you belong. It’s just a feeling of comfort and feeling like that’s where you need to be. I think I made a pretty good decision when I attended the University of Miami and I’m just following my gut instinct and I became a New York Giant. So I think it’s going to work out for the best. I’m pretty sure it will.”

Rolle on what Head Coach Tom Coughlin said to him: “Coughlin pretty much sat me down and told me eye to eye that he wants me to be that guy, to be that leader that he knows I can be. Lead by example, and pretty much bring that intensity, bring that attitude and that swagger to the defensive backfield. Just be myself. He told me to bring my ‘A’ game every day, and just to be a leader. That’s something that I am already. There wasn’t anything he was asking that can’t be delivered on my behalf.”

Sorgi Now a Giant – Photo by Icon Sports Media

Giants Sign Quarterback Jim Sorgi: The Giants announced yesterday that they have signed unrestricted free agent quarterback Jim Sorgi. The deal is reported to be a 1-year contract.

For the past six seasons, Sorgi has served as Peyton Manning’s backup with the Indianapolis Colts. Sorgi was released by the Colts last week.

“Jim demonstrated in the meeting room with our coaches that he is very sharp and a very good student of the game, which you would expect after spending six years backing up Peyton,” said Head Coach Tom Coughlin. “He is used to spending the amount of time that is necessary in preparation. He was involved in the study and preparation and everything that Peyton does, so he will be outstanding in the meeting room with Eli.”

“I had a great time working with Peyton, and I learned a lot, obviously,” said Sorgi. “The experience was invaluable as far as my development as a professional. I hate to see my time in Indianapolis come to an end, but I am as excited about working with Eli as I am sad about leaving Peyton, and I look forward to working with Eli and helping him any way I can. I have been fortunate to work with Peyton, who has one of the greatest minds in the game.”

Sorgi visited the Giants on Monday, but press reports and comments from Sorgi’s own agent seemed to suggest that the Giants were not thrilled with the condition of his right shoulder, an injury that caused the Colts to place him on Injured Reserve in December. The New York Post reported on Tuesday the injury was a torn labrum, and while Sorgi did not have surgery performed on the shoulder, the Giants felt he should have.

However, yesterday after he was signed, Sorgi’s agent said, “(Sorgi) cleared everything physically (with the Giants); it was just clearing up what happened last year and talking through it. He didn’t fail any physical or anything like that.”

“I thought my workout was excellent and my shoulder felt great,” said Sorgi. “I just need to continue to work on maintenance with (my shoulder), but I want to be a player the Giants can count on to get the job done if need be. I am excited to be here.”

Because of this transaction, we have updated the Free Agent Scorecard, Free Agents Signed (includes scouting report), Roster, and Depth Chart sections of the website.

Safety Antrel Rolle on WFAN: The audio of WFAN’s interview of safety Antrel Rolle on Monday is available at WFAN.com.

Robbins was a starter for the Giants for the past six seasons. He now re-joins Rams’ head coach Steve Spagnuolo, his former defensive coordinator with the Giants.

Because of this transaction, we have updated the Free Agent Scorecard, Free Agent Losses (includes scouting report), Roster, and Depth Chart sections of the website.

Jim Sorgi Visits But Does Not Sign: Unrestricted free agent quarterback Jim Sorgi, who was released by the Indianapolis Colts last week, visited the Giants yesterday. He also took a physical and it appears that there are concerns regarding a right shoulder injury that landed him on Injured Reserve late last year. Sorgi did not have surgery on the shoulder, but he is apparently experiencing some issues. The New York Post is reporting that the Giants felt Sorgi should have had surgery to repair a torn labrum that has been bothering him for several years.

“Their team doctor expressed some concern about the shoulder,” said Sorgi’s agent. “He’s fine. Our doctors said everything is fine. But our doctors aren’t the Giants’ doctors.”

“(Monday) morning after the workout I thought things were really looking promising,” said the agent. “But there are different doctoral opinions that are in the way. Jim feels good. Everything is fine on our end. But again, I can’t stress this enough, our doctors are not their doctors.”

“There’s interest on the Giants’ part,” said Sorgi’s agent. “And we’ll continue to talk. Nothing is imminent.”

Rhys Lloyd Signs With the Vikings: Unrestricted free agent kickoff specialist Rhys Lloyd (Carolina Panthers) was scheduled to visit with the Giants today but he signed with the Minnesota Vikings yesterday.

DVD – Ten Greatest Games in Giants’ History: Warner Home Video has released “New York Giants – 10 Greatest Games.” You can order this collection in the BBI Store (Amazon.com).

Carr had spent the last two seasons as Eli Manning’s primary backup. Aside from Manning, Rhett Bomar, last year’s 5th round pick, is currently the only other quarterback on the roster.

Because of this transaction, we have updated the Free Agent Scorecard, Free Agent Losses (includes scouting report), Roster, and Depth Chart sections of the website.

Quarterback Jim Sorgi to Visit Today: According to various press reports, unrestricted free agent QB Jim Sorgi will visit the Giants today. Sorgi was waived by the Indianapolis Colts on Friday. He has been a backup quarterback with the Colts for six seasons. He was placed on Injured Reserve last December with a shoulder injury.

Kickoff Specialist Rhys Lloyd Scheduled to Visit on Tuesday: According to The Daily News, unrestricted free agent kickoff specialist Rhys Lloyd (Carolina Panthers) is scheduled to visit the Giants on Tuesday. However, Lloyd will first visit the Minnesota Vikings today and if the Vikings sign him, he obviously will not make it to New Jersey. Lloyd would have been a restricted free agent if tendered by the Panthers, but he was not.

Article on the Giants and Free Agency: Signing LB Morrison Would Be Giant Help by Paul Schwartz of The New York Post

Because of these moves, we have updated the Transactions, Roster, and Depth Chart sections of the website.

Fred Robbins Close to Signing With Rams?: The St. Louis Post-Dispatch is reporting that unrestricted free agent DT Fred Robbins is close to signing a contract with the St. Louis Rams.

Media Conference Call With Safety Antrel Rolle: The audio of yesterday’s media conference with safety Antrel Rolle is available at Giants.com.

Articles on Safety Antrel Rolle:

• Rolle Call by Michael Eisen of Giants.com
• Giants Impressed With Antrel Rolle’s Leadership by Vinny DiTrani of The Bergen Record

Notes and Quotes: Safety Antrel Rolle will wear #26 for the New York Giants.

Head Coach Tom Coughlin on safeties Antrel Rolle and Kenny Phillips: “The idea that this is associated with the Kenny Phillips situation is incorrect. We needed to answer some questions in terms of the safety position. This move puts in a position now where we feel this can be a really strong part of our team. We needed to really solidify and help the safety position based on last year’s experience. That’s the reason this objective was so important to us.”

Coughlin said that both Rolle and Phillips will play both safety spots. “They’re interchangeable,” Coughlin said. “Both safeties will find themselves in the half (covering half the field), in the middle of the field, down at the line of scrimmage, being involved in covering the lost. Both safeties will be interchangeable in terms of their ability to be multi-functional. Both safeties will be involved in the pressure package.”

Coughlin on Rolle: “Antrel is an energetic, very likeable, bubbly young guy who is very, very impressive in terms of his ability, his football knowledge and his desire to learn more and to know more about the game. He really enjoys sitting in the room with a tape on, talking football. He made a very, very favorable impression that way with all of us.”

Rolle on how good he think a safety combination of him and Kenny Phillips can be: “The best in the league, hands down. I know what we’re capable of, and I know, as a unit, what abilities we have in order to get things done. It’s going to be up to us to establish that relationship and that chemistry to make sure we’re on the same page and to make sure we’re all one within this secondary. The sky’s the limit for us. We’re definitely going to go out there and make things happen.”

Rolle played in the Pro Bowl as an alternate earlier this year.

“Antrel is a young, ascending veteran player, and he is an outstanding person who will bring leadership, versatility and more big play ability to our secondary,” General Manager Jerry Reese said.

“I’m ecstatic,” said Rolle. “Words can’t really express how I feel now. I had five great years with the Cardinals organization. But I felt it was time for a change. The Giants are a first-class organization all the way. There are great opportunities for me, and I am excited to be working with the players I’ll be working with. I think the sky’s going to be the limit as to what we can do. I’m extremely excited for the opportunity, and I feel truly blessed. They have the confidence I can come in and be the player that they expect me to be, and I will live up to everything they expect and go beyond.”

The Giants now hope to start Rolle with Kenny Phillips at safety. Phillips is recovering from career-threatening microfracture knee surgery. “Kenny was a big reason why Antrel has agreed to sign with the Giants and I think Antrel loved the idea of playing with Kenny,” said Rolle’s agent. “Kenny’s going to make a compete recovery and we’re very optimistic about him doing that.”

Before the Giants signed Rolle, The Star-Ledger and New York Post are reporting that the Giants were also interested in safeties Darren Sharper (unrestricted free agent, New Orleans Saints), Antoine Bethea (restricted free agent, Indianapolis Colts), and Oshiomogho Atogwe (restricted free agent, St. Louis Rams).

Because of this transaction, we have updated the Free Agent Scorecard, Free Agents Signed (includes scouting report), Roster, and Depth Chart sections of the website.

QB David Carr to Visit With 49ers: Unrestricted free agent QB David Carr will visit with the San Francisco 49ers this weekend. The Arizona Cardinals and Cleveland Browns are also believed to be interested in Carr.

D.J. Ware Answers Questions from BBI Members: Halfback D.J. Ware has answered questions submitted by BBI members. The transcript is available in the Interviews section of the website.

Important Dates Section Updated: We have updated the Important Dates section of the website.

Last night’s guests were halfback D.J. Ware and defensive end Dave Tollefson. Co-hosts Eric and John also discussed the latest on the Giants.

Antrel Rolle Visiting the Giants Today: The Sun-Sentinel (Florida) is reporting that unrestricted free agent safety Antrel Rolle, who was recently waived by the Arizona Cardinals because he was due to make $12 million in 2010, will visit the Giants today. The paper says the Giants are expected to offer Rolle the $8 million-per-season contract he is seeking. The Dolphins and Bears are also reportedly interested. The Cardinals are also hoping to re-sign him but he has already turned down a six-year, $38.6 million offer from Arizona.

Giants Officially Confirm Tenders: The Giants officially confirmed yesterday that they have tendered the following restricted free agents:

• DT Barry Cofield (2nd-round tender)
• DE Dave Tollefson (2nd-round tender)
• LB Gerris Wilkinson (original-round tender)
• S C.C. Brown (right-of-first-refusal tender)
• WR Domenik Hixon (2nd-round tender)
• WR Derek Hagan (original-round tender)
• WR Sinorice Moss (original-round tender)
• OT Guy Whimper (original-round tender)
• OG Kevin Boothe (original-round tender)

The Giants also tendered the following exclusive rights free agents:

• HB D.J. Ware
• TE Scott Chandler
• CB/S D.J. Johnson.

A list of the Giants’ free agents and the dollar-value of their tenders is available in the 2010 Free Agent Scorecard section of the website.

Articles on the Giants and Free Agency:

• The Giants’ Shopping List by Ralph Vacchiano of The Daily News
• Big Blue Won’t Be Big Spenders Again by Ralph Vacchiano of The Daily News

DVD – Ten Greatest Games in Giants’ History: Warner Home Video has released “New York Giants – 10 Greatest Games.” You can order this collection in the BBI Store (Amazon.com).

Tonight’s guests will be linebacker Clint Sintim and halfback D.J. Ware and defensive end Dave Tollefson.

Co-hosts Eric and John will discuss the latest on the Giants. The show will be streamed live at Sports Talk Radio (BlogTalkRadio.com/STCP). Listeners can call in at (347) 826-7213 or send chat questions via the website.

Cardinals Rumored To Be Interested in Carr: According to the Arizona Republic, the Arizona Cardinals are said to be interested in soon-to-be unrestricted free agent QB David Carr. Free agency begins at midnight tonight. A listing of the Giants’ free agents is available in the 2010 Free Agent Scorecard section of the website.

Articles on the Giants and Free Agency:

• NY Giants Have Plenty Of Needs But Won’t Overspend In Free Agency by Mike Garafolo of The Star-Ledger
• New York Giants Need Free-Agent LBs But May Not Spend Big Bucks by Ralph Vacchiano of The Daily News
• Defensive Guns Lurk On Giants’ Radar by Paul Schwartz of The New York Post
• Giants Should Pass On Peppers by Paul Schwartz of The New York Post
• Free Agent Middle Linebackers May Interest Giants by Vinny DiTrani of The Bergen Record

DVD – Ten Greatest Games in Giants’ History: Warner Home Video has released “New York Giants – 10 Greatest Games.” You can order this collection in the BBI Store (Amazon.com).

Thursday’s guests will be linebacker Clint Sintim and halfback D.J. Ware.

Co-hosts Eric and John will discuss the latest on the Giants. The show will be streamed live at Sports Talk Radio (BlogTalkRadio.com/STCP). Listeners can call in at (347) 826-7213 or send chat questions via the website.

Giants Tender C.C. Brown: According to FOXSports.com, the Giants have tendered soon-to-be restricted free agent safety C.C. Brown. The tender is apparently the lowest form of a tender, simply a “right of first refusal” tender. This allows the Giants to match any offer from another team. However, the Giants would not receive any compensation for Brown if they chose not to match the offer. The tender is a 1-year, $1.226 million offer.

The only potential restricted free agents not tendered by the Giants were CB Kevin Dockery and TE Darcy Johnson. For a complete list of the Giants’ free agents, see the 2010 Free Agent Scorecard section of the website.

Article on Giants’ President/CEO John Mara and Free Agency: John Mara Says New York Giants Don’t Need Spending Spree To Recruit Free-Agent Talent by Ralph Vacchiano of The Daily News

DVD – Ten Greatest Games in Giants’ History: Warner Home Video has released “New York Giants – 10 Greatest Games.” You can order this collection in the BBI Store (Amazon.com).

• Evaluation Process by Michael Eisen of Giants.com
• NY Giants General Manager Sees Possible ‘Transition Time’ For Offensive Line by Mike Garafolo of The Star-Ledger
• Giants May Fix Defense From Within by Vinny DiTrani of The Bergen Record

Some of the more interesting quotes:

Reese on DT Chris Canty: “Obviously we expected more, but he was injured most of the season. We’re hopeful he’ll be healthy and come in and be a starter for us and contribute in a big way on our front. He’s a big-bodied guy that can definitely play a three-technique in our defense,” Reese said. “And he can swing and play some of the defensive end stuff. We like interchangeable guys on our front. We thought he could play several positions in our front. But primarily, we think he’s going to be a three technique for us. He’s been in almost every day. He’s been working hard trying to get back. He’s driven to come back and prove that we made the right decision with him. So we expect big things from him.”

Reese on DT Jay Alford: “Jay is an inside pass rusher for us. He’s one of those guys that can penetrate up front. He’s on schedule to be back and we expect him to be a hundred percent going into training camp. It’s unfortunate. He had a great summer last summer and we were expecting big things from him. And he had the injury. We expect him to come back. He’s a hard worker and if anybody can come back from that kind of injury, it’s him.”

Reese on S Kenny Phillips: “Kenny is doing great. He’s on schedule (recovering from knee surgery). There’s no pain right now with his knee. He’s got a great attitude about it. We expect him to come back and be one hundred percent. I don’t think you can put all your eggs in Kenny’s basket right now, because that’s a tough injury he’s coming back from. We’ll try to be prepared if he doesn’t come back a hundred percent.”

Reese on S Michael Johnson: “He has to play better. For a young guy you think is ascending, he has to play better and we expect him to play better.”

Reese on OT William Beatty: “We think Beatty has a left tackle skill set. He played quite a bit for us and did a pretty good job in there for a young player. There will be some competition at that left tackle spot for us. We like competition. We always try to create competition on our roster, so that will be some competition for the left tackle spot. And David can play guard and he can play right tackle. He’s an interchangeable guy and we like those kinds of guys.”

Reese on soon-to-be unrestricted free agents QB David Carr and LB Danny Clark: “There has been some conversation with David Carr. There has not been a lot of conversation with Danny Clark as of right now. But with Carr, there has been some conversation. You’re never confident. We’d like to have him back, for sure. But we have other options if he doesn’t come back.”

Boothe Tendered: The Bergen Record is reporting that soon-to-be restricted free agent OG Kevin Boothe has been tendered. However, it is not known at what level Boothe was tendered at. A complete list of players who have been tendered is available in the Free Agent Scorecard section of the website.

Bernard and Johnson Have Offseason Surgery: According to The Star-Ledger, DT Rocky Bernard and CB Bruce Johnson had offseason surgery. Bernard had a torn labrum in his shoulder that apparently was bothering him all of last season. Johnson had surgery on his wrist.

Quotes: Head Coach Tom Coughlin on his team: “I expect us to return to being the kind of defensive football team the New York Giants have always been. We play the game a certain way. We play the game with great balance and with team in mind, with the way we talk about the non-turnover game, running the ball, defending the run. That’s how we play.”