Louis Murphy Signs with Tampa Bay Buccaneers

 Posted by
Mar 262014
 
Victor Cruz (80), Louis Murphy, Jr. (18), New York Giants (November 24, 2013)

Victor Cruz and Louis Murphy – © USA TODAY Sports Images

Louis Murphy Signs with Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Unrestricted free agent wide receiver Louis Murphy (New York Giants) has signed a 1-year contract with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

Because of this move, we have updated the New York Giants Free Agent Losses (with scouting report) and New York Giants 2014 Free Agency Scorecard sections of the website.

Former Giants Offensive Coordinator Kevin Gilbride on ESPN Radio: The audio of Wednesday’s ESPN Radio interview with former New York Giants Offensive Coordinator Kevin Gilbride is available at ESPN.com.

Article on WR/Returner Trindon Holliday: Giants free agents 2014: Is Trindon Holliday more than a return man? by Conor Orr of The Star-Ledger

Article on CB Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie: Giants reveal plans for Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie by Jordan Raanan of NJ.com

Quotes: Head Coach Tom Coughlin on offensive guard Chris Snee: “He’s got the fire, he’s excited, he wants to play, he feels good, he’s worked hard. He is an incredible competitor. He’s a tough, hard-nosed football player who brings a great ingredient to your team and quite frankly we need that…He probably says it best.’Am I the same player I was four or five years ago? Maybe not. But am I good enough to be included in the top guards in the game? Yes.’ I think that’s pretty well-said.”

Coughin on WR Mario Manningham: “As I told him when he was here, if we’re going to be the team that we want to be, he’s got to come back and make a very strong contribution. He’s excited about that chance, that opportunity.”

Giants Re-Sign Trumaine McBride, Peyton Hillis, and Dallas Reynolds

 Posted by
Mar 112014
 
Trumaine McBride, New York Giants (December 15, 2013)

Trumaine McBride – © USA TODAY Sports Images

New York Giants Re-Sign Trumaine McBride, Peyton Hillis, and Dallas Reynolds: According to multiple press reports, the Giants have re-signed unrestricted free agents cornerback Trumaine McBride and running back Peyton Hillis.

McBride’s contract is reportedly a 2-year, $3.1 million deal; Hillis’ contract is reportedly a 2-year, $1.8 million deal.

According to Newsday, the New York Giants have re-signed exclusive rights free agent guard/center Dallas Reynolds. No contract terms were provided.

Because of these moves, we have updated the Transactions, New York Giants Free Agent Signings (with scouting reports), and New York Giants 2014 Free Agency Scorecard sections of the website.

March 11, 2014 New York Giants Free Agent News and Rumors: Here is the latest on the free agent front:

  • The New York Daily News is reporting that unrestricted free agent safety Ryan Mundy (New York Giants) is unlikely to re-sign with the team.
  • The Star-Ledger is reporting that the Giants are one of three teams with serious interest in unrestricted free agent offensive guard/tackle Geoff Schwartz (Kansas City Chiefs). The NFL Network is reporting that the Schwartz will sign with either the Giants or Rams.
  • NJ.com is reporting that the Giants are unlikely to sign unrestricted free agent centers Evan Dietrich-Smith (Green Bay Packers) and Brian de la Puenta (New Orleans Saints). However, The New York Daily News and New York Post are reporting that the Giants are making a big push to sign Dietrich-Smith.
  • CBS and NFLNetwork are reporting that unrestricted free agent defensive end Justin Tuck (New York Giants) is likely to re-sign with Giants.
  • The Baltimore Sun is reporting that unrestricted free agent defensive end/tackle Arthur Jones, who the Giants had expressed interest in, will sign with the Indianapolis Colts.
  • CSN Bay Area is reporting that the Giants have made a contract offer to unrestricted free agent running back Rashad Jennings (Oakland Raiders).

More Details on Re-Structured Contracts for Chris Snee and Steve Weatherford: According to NFL Player Association records, right guard Chris Snee’s 2014 base salary was reduced from $6.75 million to $2 million (not the $1.1 million reported in the media). Records also indicate that punter Steve Weatherford’s 2014 base salary was reduced from $2.025 million in 2014 to $900,000. Weatherford’s base salaries in 2013 ($2.175 million) and 2014 ($2.325 million) were not changed.

Article on the New York Giants 2014 Salary Cap: Updated: Giants salary cap situation heading into free agency by Jordan Raanan of NJ.com

Article on the New York Giants and 2014 NFL Free Agency: NFL free agency: How Giants look by Conor Orr of The Star-Ledger

 

Giants to Cut David Baas; Chris Snee and Steve Weatherford Agree to Pay Cuts

 Posted by
Mar 102014
 
David Baas (64), New York Giants (September 16, 2012)

David Baas – © USA TODAY Sports Images

New York Giants Will Cut David Baas: According to multiple press reports, the New York Giants will soon cut center David Baas. The injury-prone Baas was set to make $4.75 million in salary and count $8.225 million against the team’s 2014 salary cap.

“Not physically ready,” an unidentified source told The New York Daily News about Baas, who only played in three games in 2013 due to knee and neck injuries.

If Baas is cut before June 1, the Giants will “save” $1.775 million against the cap. Under this scenario, Baas will still count $6.45 million against the 2014 cap in “dead money” but he will be completely off of the books in 2015. If Baas is cut after June 1, the team would gain another $3.225 million cap space in 2014, but that amount would be counted against the cap in 2015 as dead money.

The New York Post is saying Baas could be re-signed by the Giants at a reduced salary if he proves he is healthy.

Chris Snee Agrees to Pay Cut: According to multiple press reports, the right guard Chris Snee has accepted a sizable pay cut in order to remain with the New York Giants. Snee was due $6.75 million in salary and would have counted $11.3 million against the team’s 2014 salary cap. Snee’s 2014 salary will now be $1.1 million plus $1 million in incentives.

Steve Weatherford Agrees to Take a Pay Cut Too?: ESPN is reporting that the punter Steve Weatherford has accepted a pay cut, but did not provide any details. Weatherford has three years left on his current contract and is scheduled to make $2.025 million in salary and count $2.925 million against the team’s 2014 salary cap.

New York Giants Favorites to Sign OC Evan Dietrich-Smith?: The New York Daily News is reporting that unrestricted free agent center Evan Dietrich-Smith (Green Bay Packers) could sign quickly tomorrow and that the Giants could be the favorite to sign him.

New York Giants Interested in CB Corey Graham: NJ.com is reporting that the Giants have expressed interest in unrestricted free agent cornerback Corey Graham (Baltimore Ravens).

March 9, 2014 New York Giants Free Agent News and Rumors

 Posted by
Mar 092014
 
Alterraun Verner, Tennessee Titans (September 15, 2013)

Alterraun Verner – © USA TODAY Sports Images

NJ.com – New York Giants Interested in Signing Top Cornerback: According to NJ.com, multiple sources say the New York Giants are seriously interested in signing a top-tier cornerback in free agency to pair with CB Prince Amukamara. Per previous reports, the Giants pursued CB Sam Shields, who re-signed with the Green Bay Packers, and are still pursuing CB Alterraun Verner (Tennessee Titans).

New York Daily News – New York Giants Not Pursuing Top Offensive Linemen: According to The New York Daily News, “several agents for some of the top offensive linemen on the market were privately wondering why they hadn’t heard from the Giants.” The Daily News is reporting that prices for offensive linemen are more expensive than anticipated and the talent is not overly impressive. The paper speculates that the Giants may be waiting to pick up linemen in the second-tier free agent market or focus on the offensive line-rich 2014 NFL Draft.

NJ.com -New York Giants Still Interested in Jameel McClain: According to NJ.com, the New York Giants are still interested in unrestricted free agent linebacker Jameel McClain, who was cut by the Baltimore Ravens last month in a salary cap-related move. McClain visited the Giants last Thursday and has also drawn interest from the Buffalo Bills and Minnesota Vikings.

Hakeem Nicks Talks About Possible Free Agent Destinations: Unrestricted free agent wide receiver Hakeem Nicks (New York Giants) told ESPN on Sunday that he is still thinking primarily of signing a long-term contract. He also mentioned some of the teams that he is interested in possibly signing with:

Ideally this is what I want: I want to go to a team where I’m the missing link. There are a number of teams that I have my eye on once I hit the market. I know if I went to a place like Indianapolis I would be dangerous with a quarterback like Andrew Luck. I can see myself catching passes from Cam Newton or even Philip Rivers. Players have already started to reach out to me from other teams saying they would love for me to come join them. I just want to make it clear that I want a long-term deal and I want to be happy. I’m excited about talking to teams and making it work.

Newsday – Chris Snee Pay Cut Will Happen, But Not Soon: Newsday is reporting that the New York Giants and right guard Chris Snee will agree to a salary restructure/pay cut this offseason. But since the Giants do not need immediate salary cap relief, the new contract will probably be signed later in the offseason. Snee is set to make $6.75 million in salary in 2014 (the final year of his contract) and will count $11.75 million against the team’s 2014 salary cap unless the Giants and Snee agree to a pay cut.

New York Giants Guard Chris Snee Willing to Accept Pay Cut

 Posted by
Mar 012014
 
Chris Snee (76) and David Baas (64), New York Giants (September 30, 2012)

Chris Snee and David Baas – © USA TODAY Sports Images

New York Giants Guard Chris Snee Willing to Accept Pay Cut: New York Giants right guard Chris Snee told The New York Post on Wednesday that he is not ready to retire from the NFL (see News and Notes update from Wednesday). On Friday, Snee was interviewed on SiriusXM NFL Radio, and he talked more about his desire to keep playing and his contract situation.

Snee is set to make $6.75 million in salary in 2014 (the final year of his contract) and will count $11.75 million against the team’s 2014 salary cap unless the Giants and Snee agree to a pay cut.

“I’m easy,” said Snee. “I’ve never complained, even when I was a younger guy on my rookie deal, I never complained about wanting to make more money. I’ve always restructured. Now comes a time where I know my (cap) number is high. The most important thing is to be a part of a winning team. My role is to take a pay cut and to bring in guys who can help the team…I’ve never complained about money. I’ll do what I have to do for this team to get better.”\

Snee reiterated that he not ready to retire.

“It became clear to me in January as I’m watching the playoff stretch that my passion for the game is still there,” said Snee. “So that’s when I knew that I still have it in me and I wanted to give it every shot that I can to come back and help the team right (the ship)…The main thing that was eating at me was the way in which our team played, leaving the team on a bad note. Being a part of the offensive line for 10 years where we were the strength and now to sit back and listen to all the criticism and leaving the team when it’s at its lowest point, it doesn’t sit well with me. I want to do what I can. Listen, if I come back and somebody beats me out and I have to mentor young guys and that’s my role in this whole deal, I’m all for it. Whatever I can do to help things get back on the right path is my mindset.”

“This is all I’ve known,” said Snee. “To have your dream job, you don’t want to walk away from it and regret it. Obviously you want to play as long as you can.”

The 32-year old Chris Snee is recovering from surgical procedures on both his right hip (October) and right elbow (November). He also had surgery on his left hip during the 2012 offseason.

“I’m curious to see how the OTAs and the minicamp part goes just because all of the training I’m doing, I haven’t done the football parts,” said Snee. “So when I get out there, my mindset is that my hips are going to feel great as I’m being told they will and I’ll breeze through these OTAs and I’ll be pain-free. That’s kind of what I’m thinking and I’ll let you know come June.”

Article on New York Giants Offensive Coordinator Ben McAdoo: What new Giants offensive coordinator Ben McAdoo said, what he meant by Jordan Raanan of NJ.com

Article on the New York Giants and the 2014 NFL Draft: NFL Mock Drafts: Who the experts have the Giants taking by Jordan Raanan of NJ.com

Giants.com Inside the Film Room: Video breakdowns of the following Giants players are available at Giants.com:

  • Center David Baas (Video)
  • Guard Kevin Boothe (Video)

New York Giants Ask Chris Snee and David Baas to Take Pay Cuts

 Posted by
Feb 272014
 
Eli Manning (10), David Baas (64), New York Giants (December 3, 2012)

Eli Manning and David Baas – © USA TODAY Sports Images

New York Giants Ask Chris Snee and David Baas to Take Pay Cuts: According to ProFootballTalk, the New York Giants have approached right guard Chris Snee and center David Baas about taking pay cuts.

Snee has one year left on his current contract with a base salary of $6.75 million and an overall 2014 salary cap number of $11.3 million. Baas has two years left on his contract with base salaries of  $4.75 million in 2014 and $5 million 2015. His overall 2014 salary cap number is $8.225 million.

ProFootballTalk says that while Snee has indicated a willingness to talk about a pay cut, Baas has not responded yet.

Giants.com Interview with Ben McAdoo: The video of a Giants.com interview with new offensive coordinator Ben McAdoo is available at Giants.com.

Chris Snee Not Ready to Retire

 Posted by
Feb 262014
 
Chris Snee (76), New York Giants (September 5, 2012)

Chris Snee – © USA TODAY Sports Images

Chris Snee Not Ready to Retire: In an interview with The New York Post on Wednesday, right guard Chris Snee says he is not ready to retire from the NFL. The 32-year old Snee has been hampered by injuries to both hips and and right elbow the last couple of years. He has one year left on his current contract and will count $11.3 million against the 2014 NFL salary cap unless he accepts a pay cut or re-structure.

Snee only started in the first three games of the 2014 season before being placed on season-ending Injured Reserve with a torn labrum in his right hip that required surgery last October. He also underwent elbow surgery last November. Snee had surgery to repair a torn labrum and to clean out bone chips in his left hip after the 2012 season.

“I don’t want my last memory to be a dismal performance in Carolina (in week 3),’’ said Snee. “There’s a changing of the guard, I want to help this team right the ship.

“If I didn’t feel good I would have no decision to make. I’ve always put the team first and I’ve talked to all the doctors who have operated on me and I’ve done all the research. Talked to a bunch of former teammates, asked them what factors they thought in their decision-making process and obviously most importantly sitting down with my wife. I think it came down to the fact I feel really good. Am I the guy who was controlling the line of scrimmage four years ago? No, but do I think I can play at a high level and compete with most of the guards in the league? Absolutely.

“I think I would regret not giving it my all, that’s what I’ve always done for this organization, give it everything I have. That’s what I’ll do, I’ll try to do that for one more year.

“If you would have forced me to make a decision in November or December I would say yeah. My frustration level at that point was at an all-time high, just because this is sort of uncharted territory. I was always able to play through things but when you get up there in years and realize you have to feel good to play well and you can’t hide the injuries anymore.

“The hip last year was in much worse condition,” said Snee. “This rehab was a lot easier and everything came back quicker. Been working out hard for a month now…and haven’t woken up and been sore, which is a good thing…I’m rehabbing (the elbow) now, trying to get the strength back in my arm because they had do some stuff with the nerve, move it back into place.”

The New York Post reports that Snee, who was unable to lift weights while he rehabbed, lost nearly 40 pounds. He is now back up around 295 pounds.

“I’ve had discussions with (General Manger) Jerry (Reese) and there’s interest on both sides (about me returning),’’ Snee said. “If there was no interest from their point of view I’d probably say thanks for everything and call it a career. At this point it’s not about money for me. I’m a Giant, I couldn’t imagine myself playing for any other organization.’’

Regarding his high salary cap figure, Snee said,  “I’m not worried about if the deal will get done but when. I’ve had no issues before restructuring, I just want to win so I’ll do whatever it takes.’’

Snee’s agent told The Post, “I can’t speak for them, but I would imagine that the Giants would want to make some adjustments if everything goes as planned with Chris’ recovery. Chris and all of us are on board and we will do what makes the most sense for both sides to protect the various outcomes. It really is not something that is difficult to work out, and I am sure that if that comes up, we will be able to get it done quickly.’’

“I realized I think I would regret not trying it again, not trying to go out on a high note,’’ said Snee. “That would be something that would eat at me and something I don’t want to regret five years down the road.’’

Snee told The Post he believes he can make it back.

“That’s exactly my mindset right now,’’ Snee said. “If it’s different come mini-camp in June and I’m struggling to get up off a stool I’ll be the first to let the Giants know. I love this team, I love everything about being a Giant and I want to help the team as much as I can. For me to come back lets you believe I think I can help.’’

February 26, 2014 New York Giants Free Agency News and Rumors

 Posted by
Feb 262014
 
Chris Snee and Pat Flaherty, New York Giants (July 27, 2013)

Chris Snee and Pat Flaherty – © USA TODAY Sports Images

February 26, 2014 New York Giants Free Agency News and Rumors: According to NJ.com, the New York Giants will target offensive guards in free agency. Free agency begins officially on March 11. NJ.com speculates that the Giants may be interested in Jon Asamoah (Kansas City Chiefs), Geoff Schwartz (Kansas City Chiefs), Chad Rinehart (San Diego Chargers), Zane Beadles (Denver Broncos), and Shawn Lauvao (Cleveland Browns).

According to an unidentified source, NJ.com also reports there is a good chance that guard Kevin Booth, a soon-to-be unrestricted free agent, will re-sign. What is not clear is how much the Giants are relying on left tackle Will Beatty, right guard Chris Snee, and center David Baas. All three players have significant injury and high salary-cap concerns. Beatty ($7.4 million 2014 cap number) broke his leg in the season finale, Snee ($11.3 million) has had serious problems with both hips and his elbow, and Baas ($8.225 million) had knee and neck issues.

Corey Webster Still Wants to Play: Cornerback According to The Star-Ledger, cornerback Corey Webster has no intention of retiring and wants to continue to play football. The Giants voided the last year of Webster’s contract earlier this month, a move that will make Webster an unrestricted free agent.

New York Giants Cornerbacks Coach Peter Giunta at the NFL Combine: A video of New York Giants Cornerbacks Coach Peter Giunta working with the defensive backs at the 2014 NFL Combine is available at Giants.com.

General Manager Jerry Reese NFL Combine Media Sessions

 Posted by
Feb 222014
 
Jerry Reese, New York Giants (February 22, 2014)

Jerry Reese at the NFL Combine – © USA TODAY Sports Images

General Manager Jerry Reese NFL Combine Media Sessions: Video clips of General Manager Jerry Reese’s media sessions at the NFL Combine on Saturday are available at Giants.com:

  • Main Press Conference (Video)
  • Media Session (Video)

Some tidbits of note:

  • Reese on picking at #12 in the first round: “We’ll try and get the best player available on the board. We’ll keep our options open there. If someone wants to come up to 12 and entertain us moving back, we’ll consider that as well.”
  • Reese on the salary cap being raised from $123 million to reportedly $130-132 million: “Anything is better than flat. It makes a difference to me…It’s been pretty flat for the last few years. It’s hard to maintain a high-caliber roster with a flat salary cap, especially when you’re picking late and last some of the times you’re picking. It’s not a lot higher, but it’s better than nothing.”
  • Reese on approaching the free agent market: “The last couple of years it’s been a pretty saturated market. If there are guys you like and you have the money, you can go get them. But if you can hold your water there will probably be some guys available in the second and third wave (of free agency)…If you have the funds available to extend (your own) guys and tie them up, we’ve done that a lot in the past. We think right now it’s best to see what the market is and make our move from there.”
  • Reese on WR Hakeem Nicks, DE Justin Tuck, and LB Jon Beason, all who will be free agents on March 11: “I have talks with all of those guys and free agency means free agency. It means you go out and try to get as much money as you can. I’m always in favor of guys getting as much money as they can. Justin deserves to see what the market is. We’d love to have him back, but we’ll see where it goes. Beason as well. We’ve had some talks with him and hopefully we’ll be able to get him back as well. Who knows? If we can get something done maybe neither one of those guys will go, but we’ll leave our options open and I’m sure they’ll do the same.”
  • Reese on RB David Wilson, who is recovering from offseason neck surgery: “Obviously, we can’t put all our eggs in that basket. We will continue to look for running backs in free agency and the draft as well.”
  • Reese on fixing the offensive line: “You start in-house with your offensive line. We (have) drafted a few young players and hopefully they can grow into a role for us. Obviously, you look at free agency and we have a couple guys that ended on (Injured Reserve) for us last year. We’ll see what their status is moving forward and, of course, the draft there seems to be some good offensive linemen in this draft…Obviously we’ll go out in free agency and we’ll see where we can find some guys that can fill some holes for us…The No. 1 factor is who is going to be healthy. We’ve got to see Chris (Snee) and David Baas – those guys went down for us early in the season – if they are going to be healthy, if they’re going to come back and be contributors. Everything else will take care of itself after that…Both (Snee and Baas) want to play. I’ve talked to them and they want to play. They had significant injuries and right now they seem to be on a good track to recovery and we’ll see where it goes.”
  • More from Reese on OG Chris Snee: “Is he going to be healthy? That’s the number one thing. Obviously he’s got a big contract. That’s an issue as well. All of that will get hashed out when we figure out if he’s going to be healthy or not…I talked to Chris Snee and he definitely wants to play. He has significant injuries and he’s not a baby at this point in his career. That always factors in, your age.”
  • Reese on what he looks for in an offensive lineman: “You just want some big nasty guys up front who can keep our quarterback upright. We always look for versatile guys on the offensive line. The more you can do, the better you are for us. If a guy can play some guard, some tackle, some center, the more versatile, we like it.”
  • Reese on changing offensive coordinators: “It was time to make a change…(new coordinator Ben McAdoo is) a bright guy, well-prepared. I think he’s going to bring some new life. Obviously Coach (Kevin) Gilbride did a terrific job for us, but the change is going to energize our offense a little bit and get some new learning for our quarterback and our offensive staff. He’s an interesting guy. He’s very bright…It was time to make a change. I think everybody is excited about what’s going on.”

Article on the New York Giants and the 2014 NFL Draft: Ebron draws interest from Jets, Giants by Rich Cimini of ESPNNewYork.com

Tom Coughlin and Giants Agree to One-Year Contract Extension

 Posted by
Feb 212014
 
Tom Coughlin, New York Giants (February 21 2014)

Tom Coughlin at the NFL Combine – © USA TODAY Sports Images

Tom Coughlin and Giants Agree to One-Year Contract Extension: Head Coach Tom Coughlin and the New York Giants have agreed to a 1-year contract extension reported to be around $7 million. Coughlin’s contract had been set to expire after the 2014 NFL season. Coughlin last agreed to a 3-year, $20 million contract extension after winning Super Bowl XLVI. He is now signed through the 2015 NFL season.

“I had great confidence that it would happen,” said Head Coach Tom Coughlin on Friday. “And it did.”

Head Coach Tom Coughlin’s NFL Combine Media Sessions: Video clips of Head Coach Tom Coughlin’s media sessions at the NFL Combine on Friday are available at Giants.com:

Some tidbits of note:

  • Coughlin on the impact and role of new Offensive Coordinator Ben McAdoo: “I’m involved very much in (the offense). As are all our coaches. It’s a very good exchange right now because we’re doing the best we can to meld a couple of systems, to discuss those types of things. Everyone has responsibilities and makes strong contributions. We’re certainly listening to the entire system and Ben will have the final say on that and of course play-calling, but I’ll be very much involved…(McAdoo) interesting enough does not describe himself as West Coast (Offense guy). He thinks more in terms of the ball going vertical and down the field…I would say that you will notice some differences for sure. Anytime you have different people, personalities, play callers, you’ll see some differences. I think definitely we would maintain a commitment to the run, and that will be a factor no matter what. And that’s been agreed upon by all. But as far as changes, they may be subtle; there may be some drastic ones. But the number one thing will be the players, the team, the opportunity to again get ourselves back on track the way we need to be, the ball security issues being first and foremost. The obvious questions being made about the offensive line, we’ll see where that goes. Who knows what that would have been like last year had a couple of our guys been able to stay on the field. “
  • More on McAdoo: “I like Ben because he did a superb job in terms of his preparation. He’s very fundamentally sound. He started out with that aspect of it, not necessarily starting to talk about Xs and Os, but just about fundamentals. He had some very detailed video of the way in which he teaches. The way in which he presents, the way in which he teaches, he did an outstanding job with that. And great knowledge of the system he believes in and also knowledge of our team. The critical games that we had played against the Packers the last few years and the fact that we’ve had a little success there. That combination was a good one for both of us in terms of attracting him and being a franchise that he very much respected and wanted to be a part of if the opportunity came his way.”
  • Coughlin on QB Eli Manning: “We’re very confident that Eli will, with the help of others around him, with the help of his coaches and the help of his teammates, will return to the high stature that we hold him in. I feel very good about that.”
  • Coughlin on RB David Wilson, who recovering from career-threatening neck surgery: “Do I think he’ll be ready for training camp? I really don’t know the answer to that. A lot has to do with his attitude, the way he feels and the way the doctors and trainers obviously feel…I saw him about four or five days ago and he’s that same bouncy personality. He’s very pleased with where he’s at right now. He’s able to do work with his legs for example, not as a heavy-duty thing but in a lighter capacity. He’s excited about that. He looks good, he feels good. He doesn’t have a lot of pain. I’m excited about that…Forget about that he could be a difference-maker on the team, it’s the idea that is he going to be healthy enough to be able to withstand (hits). That will be the doctors’ and our main concern. We’re not going to put him out there unless he really, really believes in himself again and the doctors believe he’ll be ready to go. He’s not going to be put out there unless he’s ready for that. I’m not even sure how he’s going to be limited in the spring.”
    Coughin on OG Chris Snee, who is recovering from elbow and hip injuries. “I think there’s no question (he intends to play in 2014)…I think certainly there’s a natural, built-in timetable as far as progress goes along here. He’s in the rehab aspect of it. For anyone that has been injured, the rehab and all of those things come into play as you start to formulate where you are. Right now, I’m optimistic about it. He’s progressing well, he’s working, he’s building himself up. He’s feeling good and he’s looking forward to feeling better. So all I can tell you is that he’s made very good progress.”

No New Deal Currently in the Works for Eli Manning: According to The Star-Ledger, there have been no discussions between the New York Giants and quarterback Eli Manning to re-structure his current contract. Manning has two years left on his current contract. He will count $20.4 million against the estimated $130 million 2014 NFL salary cap – the fourth highest cap number in the NFL.

In order to re-structure a contract, the contract is usually extended with more guaranteed money. The Giants do not appear willing to do that at this time according to The Ledger.

Hakeem Nicks Changes Agents, Not Likely to Re-Sign with Giants: Wide receiver Hakeem Nicks, who is set to become an unrestricted free agent on March 11, has changed agents. Like wide receiver Victor Cruz, Nicks will have his contract negotiations handled by the agency CAA while his marketing affairs will be handled by Jay-Z’s RocNation. Nicks was formerly represented by agent Peter Schaffer.

A number of current Giants have relationships with CAA, including Cruz, quarterback Eli Manning, and defensive end Mathias Kiwanuka.

According to NJ.com, an unidentified source says the chances of Nicks re-signing with the Giants are “close to zero.”

Head Coach Tom Coughlin did not sound overly optimistic on Friday when asked about Nicks.

“He’s a free agent,” Coughlin said. “Who knows? You’d basically like to have all of your free agents back. That doesn’t happen. You have guys that are injured, you have limitations on salary. I’m sure that the (free-agent) market will be where Hakeem will go and we’ll see what happens.”

Article on the New York Giants and the 2014 NFL Draft: NY Giants focused on helping Eli Manning through NFL draft this offseason by Ebenezer Samuel of The New York Daily News

Articles on the New York Giants and the NFL Combine:

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