Aug 302014
 
John Conner, New York Giants (August 9, 2014)

John Conner – © USA TODAY Sports Images

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The New York Giants made 22 roster moves on Saturday in order reduce the roster to 53 players as required by the NFL.

In addition, the Giants activated linebacker Jon Beason from the Physically-Unable-to-Perform (PUP) List. Beason passed his physical and can now practice for the first time since injuring his foot on June 12 during an Organized Team Activity (OTA) practice. “He’s ready to practice,” said Head Coach Tom Coughlin. “You need that kind of dynamic leadership. The guy loves the game, he loves to play it. He’ll have the biggest smile on his face come Monday when he trots out there.”

The Giants waived or terminated the contracts of the following players:

  • QB Curtis Painter
  • RB Kendall Gaskins
  • RB Michael Cox
  • FB John Conner
  • WR Julian Talley
  • TE Kellen Davis
  • OL Rogers Gaines (waived/injured)
  • OL Mark Asper
  • OL Jamaal Johnson-Webb
  • OL Adam Gress
  • DE Israel Idonije
  • DE Jordan Stanton
  • DT Kelcy Quarles
  • LB Dan Fox
  • LB Terrell Manning
  • CB Bennett Jackson
  • CB Chandler Fenner
  • S Thomas Gordon

The Giants also placed the following players on season-ending Injured Reserve, although this doesn’t preclude the team from making an injury settlement:

  • WR Trindon Holliday (hamstring)
  • WR Mario Manningham (calf)

The Giants also placed the following players on the Reserve/Suspended List for violating NFL drug policies:

  • OL Eric Herman (4-game suspension for performance-enhancing drugs)
  • CB Jayron Hosley (4-game suspension for illegal drugs)

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

“There were a lot of good, competitive positions, even going into Thursday night’s game with New England,” Coughlin said. “Many of the young guys were competing, not only for roster spots but for the practice squad. That is an important concept as well. It is in the best interest of the clubs to be able to go to their practice squad, if the need is there, for a player who has been in your meeting rooms the entire summer and fall.”

With Painter being cut, Ryan Nassib will be the only quarterback on the roster behind Eli Manning. “Ryan Nassib made big strides,” Coughlin said. “I think that his third and fourth preseason games were outstanding. You see definite improvement. You see the work that he’s put in. He’s been a very good student and he’s applied that to the field. What I really liked is he did have a poor preseason game and he came back with two good ones. That showed me, he didn’t do it by talking, he did it by working.”

Speaking of the competition at fullback between Conner and Henry Hynoski, Coughlin said, “Two very good players. Both guys can play in this league. Very, very close. Both of them are physical. They’ll knock the heck out of you. Utmost respect for John Conner, I think he’s a heck of a player and a great competitor and a good man. He doesn’t say a word, just goes and does his job. Give me all of those you can find.”

Preston Parker, New York Giants (August 9, 2014)

Preston Parker – © USA TODAY Sports Images

Coughlin on WR Preston Parker, who made the team: “Preston’s been around a little bit. Preston also has the punt return/kickoff return ability. Right now that’s very critical for us, because Odell Beckham was going to be the punt returner.”

Coughlin on keeping Kerry Wynn over Israel Idonije at defensive end: “We had tremendous respect for Izzy (Idonije) because of the quality of man he is. He came in here and whatever we asked him to do, he did. He battled, he competed. The other night he played a lot of nice snaps. At this point in time, the idea of developing the young player was first and foremost on your minds as we put the roster together…I like the fact that (Wynn) has very good size and he runs well. He flashed in the preseason and he is a young prospect that works hard, studies hard. We think he has a lot of upside.”

“They’re great stories and that’s what this thing is all about,” Coughlin said. “Your needs are much deeper than seven picks in the draft or sometimes you’re not in position to help yourself in free agency because of the cap, so this is still the source. And when a young guy comes along and they look like they’ve got a high end, you’re excited about it. Especially when they work hard, they study hard, it’s important to them and they have great desire. You can see it on some of these kids’ faces that this means so much to them, and quite frankly it re-energizes me.

“Even on a day like this where I have to let people go, when I see what the game means to certain players and when I see that, then I think there’s hope, to be honest with you. I do. Not just hope here, hope for everybody in this world because we’re not going through the motions. They love it. They love what they’re doing, they love the game. That’s how it all starts. For the normal young person that comes along and plays this game, it started with the love of the game. You compete, it’s about competitors. It’s still about competitors and people who are determined to be the best that they can be at what they do. That’s what reinforces me.”

After noon on Sunday, the Giants can sign 10 players to their Practice Squad, if they are not claimed off of waivers first.

“The practice squad is not taken lightly,” Coughlin said. “There are a lot of things that go into making choices and one of the things that’s really important, that has to be stressed, this summer is that we’ve got it to 10. And that’s a very important thing, the fact that we can have 10 practice squad guys means a lot in terms of your ability to prepare. Because as you go through the season and you have the various nicks that occur during the course of it and players can’t practice, at least you can continue to service your first groups with your practice squad players. That helps tremendously because the drain always comes.

“If a two becomes a one, then who services the other side of the ball? That’s a major concern for us at this level, because you have to continue to improve. People don’t realize that, it is about improvement and it’s not just about games, it’s about improving and your chance to improve on the practice field is so important.”

Article on the 2014 New York Giants: Embarking on a New Path by Bill Pennington of The New York Times

NY Post Q&A with WR Victor Cruz: Serby’s Sunday Q&A with Victor Cruz by Steve Serby of The New York Post

Aug 122014
 
Curtis Painter, Ben McAdoo, and Eli Manning; New York Giants (June 18, 2014)

Curtis Painter, Ben McAdoo, and Eli Manning – © USA TODAY Sports Images

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When Curtis Painter re-signed with the New York Giants this offseason, he knew the situation and scenario right in front of him.

Painter, 29, was a journeyman in the NFL who’d only seen action in three of his five NFL seasons. One year earlier, the Giants had trade up in the fourth round to select Ryan Nassib, costing the Giants their own fourth- and sixth-round picks.

New York had been forced to keep three quarterbacks on the team’s roster in 2013. They didn’t want to do it again. There was one open spot behind Eli Manning.

Was it going to be Painter, or the player New York had traded up to select in the 2012 NFL Draft?

Painter knew the odds. Painter didn’t care if they were stacked against him.

“I can’t control anything like that,” Painter said. “That comes from the upper management and coaches. All I can really do is do my best on the field and try to help the team get better.”

The apparent long shot to make the Giants’ final roster has seen his odds significantly increase this week in training camp. After receiving the NFL equivalent of ‘scraps’ for reps in the first three weeks of camp, Painter has worked entirely with the second team in each of the last two practices.

Painter downplayed any such ‘promotion’ on the depth chart, but the increase in snaps has been noticeable. Throughout the early portions of training camp, Manning and Nassib would split 80-to-90 percent of the team’s reps in each drill before Painter would see the field.

When the offense and defense would work one-on-ones, it was Manning and Nassib throwing passes while Painter handed off to running backs in the distance. While his time on the field was far from glorious, Painter made the most of it. Slowly, but surely, his reps began to increase.

Early in camp, interceptions, poor decisions and forced passes began to mount for Nassib. While Nassib has improved both in practice and the preseason, Painter just kept on making the most of what he was getting. Then, Painter made his ultimate case for a promotion when the Giants took the field for Saturday’s preseason home opener versus the Steelers,

After a Nassib’s incomplete swing pass – which was ruled a fumbled lateral and returned for a touchdown — put New York behind late in the fourth quarter, Painter entered the contest and promptly marched the team down the field on a 10-play, 80-yard drive that ended in a three-yard game-winning touchdown pass to Corey Washington.

Painter finished seven-of-seven for 68 yards and one touchdown.

“When you can put together a drive like that, whether it be in the first quarter or fourth, you’re going to be pleased,” Painter said. “We did some things well.”

Painter has seen every second-team rep since.

“I don’t think much about it,” Painter said. “At the end of the day, you’re running the same plays. It’s just a matter of going out there and executing and knowing your responsibilities. “

Aug 022014
 
Will Beatty, New York Giants (November 10, 2013)

Will Beatty – © USA TODAY Sports Images

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12 New York Giants Don’t Make Trip to Canton: Twelve injured New York Giants did not make the trip to Canton, Ohio on Saturday to play the Buffalo Bills in Sunday’s Hall of Fame Game. The Giants not traveling with the team include:

  • RB David Wilson (neck)
  • WR Odell Beckham Jr. (hamstring)
  • WR Trindon Holliday (hamstring)
  • LT Will Beatty (migraine)
  • TE Xavier Grimble (hamstring)
  • OL Eric Herman (hip)
  • DE Robert Ayers (ankle)
  • DT Mike Patterson (shoulder)
  • LB Jon Beason (foot)
  • LB Spencer Paysinger (concussion)
  • CB Trumaine McBride (hip)
  • CB Bennett Jackson (ankle)

NY Post Q&A with RB Andre Williams: Serby’s Sunday Q&A with Andre Williams by Steve Serby of The New York Post

Article on QB Eli Manning: Does Giants QB Eli Manning belong in the Hall of Fame? by Jordan Raanan of NJ.com and Connor Orr of The Star-Ledger

Article on QBs Ryan Nassib and Curtis Painter: Nassib, Painter in battle for Giants’ backup quarterback spot by Mark Cannizzaro of The New York Post

Article on QB Ryan Nassib and OT Justin Pugh: Pugh & Nassib to face former ‘Cuse coach Sunday by Michael Eisen of Giants.com

Article on FB Henry Hynoski: Giants’ Hynoski has plenty to prove by Jeff Roberts of The Bergen Record

Article on WR Rueben Randle: Rueben Randle set for leading role in Giants’ offense by Zach Braziller of The New York Post

Article on Place Kickers Josh Brown and Brandon McManus: Strong-Legged Kickers Put Giants in a Quandary, and It’s Good by Bill Pennington of The New York Times

Article on the New York Giants-Buffalo Bills Preseason Game: Things to watch as the Giants kick off the 2014 season in the Hall of Fame Game by Ralph Vacchiano of The New York Daily News

Articles on Former Giants DE Michael Strahan:

Jul 012014
 
Ryan Nassib (9), Eli Manning (10), Ben McAdoo, New York Giants (May 29, 2014)

Can Ryan Nassib (No. 9/left) be Eli Manning (Right) backup in 2014? – Photo by Connor Hughes

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With the New York Giants reporting to camp in less than a month, BigBlueInteractive.com is breaking down each of the team’s positional groups from now until July 21. First, let’s kick things off with the quarterbacks.

FIND A COMPLETE LIST OF ALL BREAKDOWNS HERE

POSITIONAL BREAKDOWN: Quarterbacks

Ryan Nassib (9) and Eli Manning (10), New York Giants (June 18, 2014)

Ryan Nassib and Eli Manning – © USA TODAY Sports Images

2013 YEAR IN REVIEW: Yuck. Eli Manning suffered through arguably the worst season of his career leading experts to question if the once-elite Eli was on decline. Manning endured career-highs in sacks (39) and interceptions (27). His yards-per-game were the fewest since 2008 and completion percentage since 2007. Behind him, Ryan Nassib never played a down and Curtis Painter left very little to be desired, finishing 8-of-16 for 57 yards and two interceptions.

ADDITIONS/SUBTRACTIONS: Not much has changed from a year ago. At one point, the Giants had Josh Freeman (MIN) and Rusty Smith (TEN), but both were cut during the offseason conditioning program. The team ended last year with Manning-Painter-Nassib on the depth chart and enter training camp with the same three names.

TRAINING CAMP STORY LINES: There’s a ton. Can Manning return to form? Can Nassib be the No. 2? Is Painter a viable option if Nassib can’t? Also, how does new offensive coordinator Ben McAdoo’s offense fit the skill set of each. Training camp and preaseason should answer quite a bit of questions surrounding the quarterbacks.

Curtis Painter, New York Giants (December 29, 2013)

Curtis Painter – © USA TODAY Sports Images

ON THE BUBBLE: Manning is the starter, obviously, but whomever wins the No. 2 quarterback position may signal the end of QB No. 3. The only foreseeable situation where the Giants keep all three would be that Nassib struggles mightily, the team isn’t willing to cut him yet, so it’s a near identical depth chart as last year. The more likely scenario? The Giants show faith in Nassib and cut Painter.

FROM THE POSITIONAL COACH: Danny Langsdorf on monitoring QB reps:  “It was hard to rep five guys for sure. Three is a good number. You’d like to be able to develop that fourth if you have enough spots. Without the extra spot, having three gets some pretty good work and you know what everybody gets. The starter and the backup get the majority of the snaps, but the third guy gets a few reps here and there.”

PREDICTIONS:
Connor Hughes – I think a new offense is exactly what Eli Manning needed at this point in his career. It wasn’t that Kevin Gilbride was a bad offensive coordinator or his offense terrible (They did win two Super Bowl’s during his tenure), he just needed a breath of fresh air. I think Eli could be in for a big 2014, he certainly showed flashes during OTAs/mini-camp of excelling in the new offense. As far as Nassib? I’m far less certain.

Eric Kennedy – A misleading narrative (some would say false bill of goods) is being told by some that all Eli Manning needed this offseason was a new offensive coordinator with some new- fangled scheme based on West Coast Offense principles. Ironically, 10 years ago fans were ready to dump Jim Fassel’s West Coast system in favor of Tom Coughlin’s vertical attack. What Eli really needs it better running backs, better receivers, better tight ends, and most importantly, better blockers than he had in 2013. He also needs to get his head out of his ass and stop making stupid decisions that a 10-year veteran of his caliber (two-time Super Bowl MVP) should not be making. There will be a learning curve with the new offensive system, including terminology that almost all of the offensive players has mentioned as being an issue. Combine that with three new offensive coaches, two coaches switching positions, and dramatic offensive personnel changes, it will be a shock if the Giants offense looks like a well-oiled machine in September and October. Expect growing pains and increasing calls for Eli’s head early. Eli was weened on a vertical passing attack. It will be interesting to see if he can develop the ability to be a much better short-range thrower, particularly to the running backs and tight ends.

FINAL DEPTH CHART: Manning (1), Nassib (2), Painter (Cut/3)

Jun 302014
 
Victor Cruz, New York Giants (June 18, 2014)

Victor Cruz – © USA TODAY Sports Images

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Giants.com Q&A with Running Backs Coach Craig Johnson: The video of a Giants.com Q&A with Running Backs Coach Craig Johnson is available at Giants.com.

Giants.com Player Q&As: Video clips of Giants.com Q&A sessions with the following players are available at Giants.com:

  • RB Andre Williams (Video)
  • WR Victor Cruz (Video)

Inside Football Player Q&As:

Articles  on the New York Giants Quarterbacks:

Article on DT Johnathan Hankins: Johnathan Hankins: How and when he proved capable to Giants of replacing Linval Joseph by Jordan Raanan of NJ.com

Article on Former New York Giants DE Justin Tuck: Justin Tuck: ‘I’m still surprised I’m not a New York Giant’ by Conor Orr of The Star-Ledger

Jun 272014
 
Jason Pierre-Paul, New York Giants (June 18,2014)

Jason Pierre-Paul – © USA TODAY Sports Images

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Giants.com Q&A with RB David Wilson: The video of a Giants.com Q&A session with RB David Wilson is available at Giants.com.

Inside Football Player Q&As:

Article on the 2014 New York Giants: 9 reasons Giants fans should be optimistic by Dan Salomone of Giants.com

Article on QB Eli Manning: Eli Manning makes an appearance at Ramsey Dunkin’ Donuts by Rebecca Greene of the Ramsey Suburban News

Article on RB David Wilson: David Wilson waits and imagines by Dan Graziano of ESPN.com

Article on WR Victor Cruz: Still-hungry Victor Cruz a rare Giants rock by Dan Graziano of ESPN.com

Article on the New York Giants Defensive Tackles: Big Blue Morning: Defensive tackle rotation by Dan Graziano of ESPN.com

Article on the New York Giants Cornerbacks: Is Big Blue ‘deeper than ever’ at corner? Who won’t make the cut? by Conor Orr of The Star-Ledger

Article on S Quintin Demps: Quintin Demps: Why the Giants like him as their third safety by Jordan Raanan of NJ.com

Apr 282014
 
Curtis Painter, New York Giants (December 29, 2013)

Curtis Painter – © USA TODAY Sports Images

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Curtis Painter to Miss a Month Due to Knee Surgery: The New York Giants announced on Monday that quarterback Curtis Painter underwent arthroscopic surgery on his right knee on Friday. Painter is expected to be out at least four weeks as he recovers.

The Giants currently have five quarterbacks on their roster, but two of them are currently out of service. In addition to Painter, Eli Manning is recovering from arthroscopic surgery on his left ankle. Manning is not expected to start running until sometime in May. It is believed he will be held out of on-the-field activities until training camp in July.

The only healthy quarterbacks to throw passes to the receivers during the team’s offseason workout program are Ryan Nassib, Josh Freeman, and Rusty Smith. Smith was signed by the Giants on Monday.

The first two weeks of the team’s offseason workout program consists mainly of strength training and conditioning work. However, on-field workouts will begin on May 5. The team will also hold 10 Organized Team Activity (OTA) workouts (various dates from May 28 – June 13) and a mandatory mini-camp June 17-19.

Article on the New York Giants and the 2014 NFL Draft: 2014 NFL Draft primer: Giants by Nick Klopsis of Newsday

Mar 122014
 
J.D. Walton, Denver Broncos (August 26, 2012)

J.D. Walton (50) – © USA TODAY Sports Images

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New York Giants Re-Sign Jon Beason and Curtis Painter: According to The NFL Network, the New York Giants have re-signed unrestricted free agent linebacker Jon Beason. In addition, the Giants have officially announced they they have re-signed unrestricted free agent quarterback Curtis Painter. Terms for both players are not yet known.

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

New York Giants Sign J.D. Walton: The New York Giants have officially signed unrestricted free agent center J.D. Walton (Washington Redskins). Details of the contract are not yet known.

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

Keith Rivers Signs with Bills: Unrestricted free agent linebacker Keith Rivers (New York Giants) has signed a 2-year, $5 million contract with the Buffalo Bills.

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

Geoff Schwartz and Rashad Jennings Official – Contract Details: The Giants officially confirmed on Wednesday that they have signed unrestricted free agents offensive guard/tackle Geoff Schwartz (Kansas City Chiefs) and running back Rashad Jennings (Oakland Raiders).

According to the player’s agent, Schwartz’s deal is a 4-year, $16.8 million contract with $6.2 million guaranteed. CSN Bay Area is reporting that Jenning’s contract is a 4-year, $14 million deal with $3 million guaranteed.

“When I was a rookie, I almost didn’t get drafted and I was so excited to maybe become a Giant,” said Schwartz. “Now, it finally happened. It’s one of those franchises where, when they come calling, you can’t really say no. I’m overjoyed. I think when I look back after I kind of get over the initial signing of the contract it’ll be such a pleasure.”

“I’m so excited to be here for so many reasons,” Jennings said. “One, the Giants organization and the history of it. The magnitude of it, the culture, to be a part of that red, white and blue again. It’s funny because I went to Liberty University, those are the same colors I wore. I’m back on the east coast and now I can talk on the phone with people and not feel awkward because of the three-hour time difference, it will kick you in the butt sometimes. I’m closer to home, closer to family, I’m with the team that wanted me.”

Schwartz has the ability to play at tackle and guard.

“I’m best at guard,” Schwartz said. “I’ve played right guard lots in my career and I know that (Chris) Snee is still here, so I will be starting at left guard. I just feel more comfortable there. But I’ve played tackle, I started 11 games at tackle and played lots of other games at tackle, so I can do a lot of it. It’s just nice to be able to come into a place where they want you in a position and you can kind of go from there.”

“I think part of the fun of coming into work every day is that kind of interaction between offensive linemen,” said Schwartz. “Wherever you go you want to have that bond and building that bond is through kind of joking and mocking, but also hard work and some of the other thing that O-linemen are known for. I’m excited to meet everybody and kind of get going when April comes around. I think I do a good job of integrating well in the locker room. I do a good job of trying to learn the system. It’s tough every year to do that. Now hopefully I’ve found a home and I’ll be here for many years and kind of integrate into the system.”

“I have the same attitude every year since college,” Jennings said. “Go in, earn the respect of my teammates and my coaches, lock down the playbook and go show my worth and earn a starting position. That’s my mentality every year and I look forward to being used however they see my talents fitting here. I did an interview a couple weeks ago and they said, ‘What’s your idea of going through free agency?’ I said, ‘It’s my job to show one team that they’re right.’ I’m glad to show the Giants that they’re right.”

“I always tell people there are not too many ways you can run power, there are no too many ways you can run inside/outside zone,” Jennings said. “It’s just the terminology you’ve got to pick up, understand the flow, the chemistry of the system. That does take some time and that’s why we have OTAs. I am looking forward to it. But as far as going from playbook to playbook, it doesn’t phase you. You become a student of the game.”

Interviews with both players are available at Giants.com:

  • OG Geoff Schwartz (Video)
  • RB Rashad Jennings (Video)

Peyton Hillis and Trumaine McBride Official: The New York Giants officially confirmed on Wednesday that they have re-signed unrestricted free agents running back Peyton Hillis and cornerback Trumaine McBride.

O’Brien Schofield Deal Not Finalized: The Giants have not officially sign unrestricted free agent linebacker O’Brien Schofield because Schofield did not pass the team’s physical on Wednesday. The Giants are concerned about one of his knees and thus there is no deal. The New York Daily News and ESPN are reporting that the deal may not be ultimately dead, but the previous terms (2-year, $8 million contract) may have to be renegotiated. NJ.com is reporting that a source says the deal is dead.

March 12, 2014 New York Giants Free Agent News and Rumors: Here is the latest on the free agent front:

  • DT Linval Joseph on what the New York Giants offered before he signed a 5-year, $31.5 million contract with the Minnesota Vikings: “I know it was nowhere near the Vikings number, I can say that.”
  • ESPN is reporting that unrestricted free agents (UFAs) defensive end Just Tuck (New York Giants) and cornerback Terrell Thomas (New York Giants) are visiting the Oakland Raiders today. SFGate.com is reporting that RB Andre Brown (New York Giants) is also visiting the Oakland Raiders today.
  • According to the Lions, UFA Henry Hynoski (New York Giants) will visit the Detroit Lions on Thursday.
  • The NFL Network is reporting that UFA Tracy Porter (Oakland Raiders) arrived in New York on Tuesday to visit the Giants. He left today without a contract.
  • ESPN is reporting that UFA offensive guard Shelley Smith (St. Louis Rams) is visited the Giants on Wednesday. He is now on his way to visit with the New England Patriots.
  • The NFL Network is reporting that the Giants called the Tampa Bay Buccaneers inquiring about cornerback Darrelle Revis before he was cut by Tampa Bay Wednesday afternoon.
  • UFA wide receiver/returner Jacoby Jones, who visited the Giants on Wednesday, has re-signed with the Baltimore Ravens (4-year contract).
  • UFA cornerback Corey Graham (Baltimore Ravens), who the Giants had expressed some interest in, has signed a 4-year deal with the Buffalo Bills.

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

  • Fullback John Conner (Video)
  • Offensive Lineman Brandon Mosley (Video)
Mar 112014
 
Rashad Jennings, Oakland Raiders (November 10, 2013)

Rashad Jennings – © USA TODAY Sports Images

New York Giants Sign Geoff Schwartz, Rashad Jennings, and O’Brien Schofield: According to multiple press reports, the New York Giants have agreed to terms with unrestricted free agent guard/tackle Geoff Schwartz (Kansas City Chiefs). Details of the contract are not yet known.

According to the player himself, unrestricted free agent running back Rashad Jennings (Oakland Raiders) was to sign his contract with the Giants on Tuesday night. Details of the deal are not yet known.

According to multiple press reports, the New York Giants have signed unrestricted free agent linebacker O’Brien Schofield (Seattle Seahawks). The contract is reportedly a 2-year, $8 million deal.

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

New York Giants Re-Sign Stevie Brown and Josh Brown: Unrestricted free agent safety Stevie Brown (New York Giants) tweeted on Tuesday that he has re-signed with the Giants. The contract is reportedly a 1-year, $4 million deal.

Unrestricted free agent place kicker Josh Brown (New York Giants) also tweeted that he has re-signed with the Giants. Terms of that deal are not yet known.

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

Linval Joseph Signs with Viking, Ryan Mundy with Bears, Brandon Myers with Buccaneers: Unrestricted free agent defensive tackle Linval Joseph (New York Giants) has signed with the Minnesota Vikings. The contract is reportedly a 5-year, $31.5 million deal.

Unrestricted free agent safety Ryan Mundy (New York Giants) has signed with the Chicago Bears. It is a 2-year deal but the financial terms are not yet known.

Unrestricted free agent tight end Brandon Myers (New York Giants) has signed a 2-year, $4 million deal with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

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

More March 11, 2014 New York Giants Free Agent News and Rumors: Here is the second update today:

  • ESPN is reporting that unrestricted free agent wide receiver/returner Jacoby Jones (Baltimore Ravens) will visit the Giants on Wednesday.
  • FOXSports is reporting that unrestricted free agent quarterback Curtis Painter (New York Giants) will re-sign with the Giants.
  • DraftInsider.net is reporting that the Giants are in the mix for the services of unrestricted free agent wide receiver James Jones (Green Bay Packers).
  • Unrestricted free agent defensive end/tackle Arthur Jones (Baltimore Ravens), who the Giants had expressed interest in, signed with the Indianapolis Colts.
  • Unrestricted free agent cornerback Alterraun Verner (Tennessee Titans), who the Giants had expressed interest in, has signed with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
Jan 242014
 
David Diehl, New York Giants (February 5, 2012)

David Diehl – © USA TODAY Sports Images

Tom Coughlin Wants to Coach Past 2014: In a taped ESPN Radio interview that is set to air on Sunday, Head Coach Tom Coughlin was asked if he still felt he could coach “well beyond” the 2014 NFL season.

“I certainly do, and I’m blessed with good health and good energy and a routine that I think puts me in the maximum opportunity to stay healthy,” responded Coughlin. “The other issue, of course, is (my wife) Judy. If Judy’s healthy, and so on and so forth, and we both feel good about continuing…then no doubt will we feel that way.”

The 67-year old Coughlin has one year remaining on his current contract. Giants President/CEO John Mara said recently, “(Coughlin is) going to be our coach here next year and hopefully for longer than that, but we haven’t sat down to even talk about that yet.”

“I haven’t sat down with John,” said Coughin, “and I do know by virtue of a couple of things that he’s said that he’s trying to pick the best time. And he knows full well that we’re in a full-court press in terms of making sure that our staff is ready to go.”

David Diehl Retires: Offensive lineman David Diehl, who has been with the team since he was drafted in the 5th round of the 2003 NFL Draft, officially announced his retirement from the NFL on Friday. Diehl played in 11 seasons with the Giants. Diehl’s daughter Addison was on hand when Diehl informed the team.

“She wants me to play forever,” said Diehl. “It’s not very easy for my daughter to talk about me retiring and not playing football. The Giants are just as much family to her as they are to me. She’s been going to the games and at seven years old, she understands everything. She understands the game and the players and how important it is to play in the NFL. For her, my stepping away from something she loves as much as I do is not an easy thing.”

“I love football,” Diehl said. “I love being in the game, I love watching film, I love doing all of that and I’m going to miss that aspect of it. But I know I’m ready to start the new and next chapter of my life. I’m ready to not only be a bigger part of my daughter’s life, but I’m ready to spread my knowledge and help other people with the game and continue to do stuff throughout our community and charity work and be involved with the New York Giants in any way possible. I’ve accomplished everything I could possibly dream of as a football player. If in 2003, anyone would have said that Dave Diehl, a fifth-round draft pick out of Illinois, would win two Super Bowls, play in the Pro Bowl and win every single Giant award possible, people would have said you’re crazy. I have a lot to be proud of.”

During his career with the Giants, Diehl started at every offensive line position except center. He was voted to the Pro Bowl in 2009. Most importantly, he was the starting left tackle on two Super Bowl teams.

Diehl only missed 12 games in 11 seasons. He played in 164 regular-season games, tying Phil Simms for 12th on the franchise’s all-time list. “To be able to sit here and say I tied Phil Simms for 12th all-time on the list, I mean that’s crazy,” Diehl said. He started 160 of those 164 games, plus all 11 postseason games in which he played. In the regular season, Diehl started 65 games at left tackle, 42 at left guard, 26 at right tackle, and 27 at right guard. In the postseason, Diehl has 10 starts at left tackle, and one at left guard.

“When I think of David Diehl what comes to mind is his indomitable spirit,” said Head Coach Tom Coughlin. “He got the most out of his God-given ability and that’s the best way that you can judge any individual. He took the talent that he had and he used it to the extreme, to the utmost of his ability. What more can you ask of the guy? And he gave great effort. He always gave great effort, there was no doubt about that. You knew exactly what you were getting.”

“He played so many different positions along the offensive line and never complained and never made an excuse,” QB Eli Manning said. “He was a guy who practiced in training camp and was prepared to play right tackle and then all of a sudden in the middle of the season, it’s, ‘Hey, now you have to go play left tackle.’ He just went over there and did it. He never made an excuse and he’s never looked for a reason not to. He just did his job and did it well for a long time. He protected me for a long time. He’s one of my great buddies and just a true warrior. A guy you wanted out there. He would play injured and he wanted to be out there for every practice, for every play in every game. Just a great teammate, a guy with that type of attitude is the kind of attitude you want all your teammates to have. He was just a true professional.”

Diehl was the only Giants player whose arrival predated that of Coughlin and Manning. With his retirement, the longest-tenured Giants are guard Chris Snee and Manning.

“You play for 10 years, you’re going to have some great relationships and make some great friends,” Manning said. “Unfortunately, you’re going to see some great friends retire. Obviously, you’re happy for them that they have had a great career and they can end it on their own terms, like David’s doing. It’s sad to have a friend that you’re used to seeing every day, to no longer have that presence in the locker room. He will be missed. But I think for the other linemen and other teammates who have been fortunate to be around him, he’s set a great example of how to be a professional, how to go about your business and be a true competitor. I think his presence will be felt. He’s made an impact on a lot of the players on the Giants.”

“I’m just very, very blessed and happy to have had the teammates and the guys around here and the coaches and the organization and to be able to do it for 11 years in one place – that’s unheard of,” Diehl said. “You never hear that any more. I’m a New York Giant through and through.”

“Whatever you wanted him to do, he did,” Coughlin said. “The weight room, practice, meetings, jibber and jab at guys that weren’t doing what they should be doing. He was the huddle guy, he helped get things going. You always knew where he was coming from. He was a tremendous competitor and a guy you always wanted on your team, because he was so positive and so up front and he agreed with everything you did as a coach.”

“At one point, it’s going to be bittersweet,” Diehl said. “At one point, I’m going to miss the camaraderie, being around the guys, being in the locker room, sharing stories of the summer. Most importantly, grinding and working for the season. That’s where you start setting the groundwork after OTAs and mini-camp. Training camp is when you’re getting ready for the season, for what we’re here for and that’s to win championships. So I’m going to miss being around the guys. It’s tough, physically, as an offensive lineman to play as long as I have. I’m not going to miss the cold tubs and the physical part and all of that stuff, but I’m definitely going to miss being around here and being part of it. I’ve been here for so long, it’s been such a routine and such a part of my life, so it’s going to be an adjustment not being a part of it, sweating in 100 degree weather and doing all of that stuff with these guys.

“Guys like Kareem (McKenzie) and Shaun (O’Hara) and Rich (Seubert) would laugh and say once they were done, ‘I’m going to come with a lawn chair’ and watch practice. They never come back and watch mini-camp and sit out there in the heat. They don’t want to watch training camp, they don’t want to see that stuff. It’s definitely going to be interesting and going to be different for me. But I’m going to be here, I’m still going to be involved with the team in any way possible with different things in the charity work that I’m always involved in. I’m never not going to be a Giant, I’m never not going to be in this area. It’s just for the first time in my career it’s not going to be as a player.”

For more on Diehl’s retirement, see David Diehl reflects on life in football at Giants.com. Also from Giants.com, the following videos/graphics are available:

  • David Diehl reflects on career (Video)
  • Players & Coaches: David Diehl Shoutouts (Video)
  • David Diehl’s Career Highlights (Video)
  • David Diehl Career Infographic (Graphic)

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