Mar 092016
 
Janoris Jenkins, St. Louis Rams (November 15, 2015)

Janoris Jenkins – © USA TODAY Sports Images

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GIANTS AGREE TO TERMS WITH JANORIS JENKINS…
According to multiple media reports, the New York Giants have agree to terms with unrestricted free agent cornerback Janoris Jenkins (Los Angeles Rams). Early reports indicate that the deal could be worth as much or more than $70 million and average $12 million per year or more. The Rams were very interested in re-signing Jenkins and he was being heavily pursued by the Raiders and other teams.

The 27-year old Jenkins was originally drafted in the 2nd round of the 2012 NFL Draft by the Rams. In his four seasons with the Rams, Jenkins played in 60 regular-season games with 58 starts. He has 49 career pass breakups and 10 interceptions, five of which he has returned for touchdowns. Jenkins is an average-sized corner with excellent speed and quickness. He is an instinctive coverman who has gotten better each year. Jenkins plays well in both man and zone coverage. Jenkins makes plays on the football, but is known as a bit of a gambler and will also give up the big play. He is not a physical run defender or strong tackler. Jenkins plays with a cocky swagger, but there are also some character concerns, including a drug charge in college.

MARCH 9, 2016 NEW YORK GIANTS FREE AGENT NEWS AND RUMORS…
March 9th marks the official beginning of free agency as teams can begin to sign free agents of other teams at 4:00 PM. Here is the latest:

  • Multiple media sources are reporting that the New York Giants are interested in unrestricted free agent defensive tackle Damon Harrison (New York Jets). The 27-year old Harrison was originally signed as an undrafted rookie free agent by the Jets after the 2012 NFL Draft. In the last three years, Harrison has started every regular-season game for the Jets. In 2015, he accrued 72 tackles and 0.5 sacks. The 6’4”, 350-pound Harrison is one of the NFL’s best run-stuffing nose tackles. He does not get much heat on the passer.
  • NJ.com reports that unrestricted free agent defensive end Olivier Vernon (Miami Dolphins) is now the top free agent priority for the New York Giants. The Dolphins removed their transition tag from Vernon on Wednesday, making him free to sign with any team without the right to match an offer. The cash-rich Jacksonville Jaguars are said to be very interested in Vernon. The 25-year old Vernon was originally drafted in the 3rd round of the 2012 NFL Draft by the Dolphins. In the last three seasons, he has played in every regular-season game with 46 starts, averaging 55 tackles and 8.5 sacks per year.
  • NJ.com is reporting that the New York Giants had interest in unrestricted free agent wide receiver Marvin Jones (Cincinnati Bengals). However, Jones is signing with the Detroit Lions. The 25-year old Jones was drafted in the 5th round of the 2012 NFL Draft by the Bengals. Jones played in 16 regular-season games with 13 starts in 2015 and finished the year with 65 catches for 816 yards and four touchdowns.
  • The New York Daily News reports that the New York Giants had expressed interest in unrestricted free agent cornerback Sean Smith (Kansas City Chiefs). The 28-year old Smith has played for both the Dolphins (2009-2012) and Chiefs (2013-2015). Last season, he started all 13 games he played in and accrued 45 tackles, 12 pass defenses, and two interceptions. The signing of Janoris Jenkins may now mean the Giants are no longer interested.
  • Free agent defensive end Charles Johnson, who met with the New York Giants on Sunday and Monday, is re-signing with the Carolina Panthers. The contract is reportedly a 1-year, $3 million deal. He supposedly turned down $6 million from other teams. Johnson said he almost signed with the Giants. “I came pretty close, but ultimately my heart is in Carolina,” said Johnson. “It’s not about the money. Carolina is home and I wouldn’t have been happy if I went somewhere else. The Giants are a first class organization, but now I have one more year to get back where I want to be, at home.”
  • Despite initial reports of mutual interest and a possible visit, free agent defensive end Mario Williams signed a 2-year contract with the Miami Dolphins.

GIANTS RE-SIGN SAFETY BENNETT JACKSON…
According to the NFL Player Associations website, New York Giants exclusive rights free agent safety/cornerback Bennett Jackson has signed his 1-year, $450,000 tender.

Jackson was placed on Injured Reserve before the season started in September 2015 after tearing the ACL in his right knee in the second preseason game. The Giants drafted Jackson in the 6th round of the 2014 NFL Draft. During his rookie season, he was waived, signed to the Practice Squad, and then placed on the Practice Squad/Injured List with cartilage damage to his left knee injury that required microfracture surgery. Jackson converted to cornerback from wide receiver at Notre Dame. The Giants shifted him to safety during the 2015 offseason. Jackson is a bit of a corner/safety ‘tweener. While he he has good speed and coverage skills for a safety, he lacks ideal size and physicality for the position. Before he was injured, Jackson was receiving first team reps at safety and as the team’s nickel corner.

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