March 14, 2016 New York Giants Free Agent News and Rumors

 Posted by
Mar 142016
 
Rueben Randle, New York Giants (September 24, 2015)

Rueben Randle – © USA TODAY Sports Images

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MARCH 14, 2016 NEW YORK GIANTS FREE AGENT NEWS AND RUMORS…
The official NFL free agency signing period began on March 9th. Here is the latest news and rumors regarding the New York Giants:

  • The NFL Network reports that unrestricted free agent wide receiver Rueben Randle (New York Giants) will be visiting the Los Angeles Rams, the first of several scheduled visits.
  • CBS Sports reports that unrestricted free agent left tackle Russell Okung (Seattle Seahawks) has contract offers on the table from the New York Giants, Pittsburgh Steelers, and Detroit Lions. The Seahawks and 49ers are also said to be interested in his services. Okung, who is representing himself in contract negotiations, met with the Giants last Friday. The 28-year old Okung was originally drafted in the 1st round (6th overall pick) of the 2010 NFL Draft. Okung needed left shoulder surgery to repair a dislocation suffered in the 2015 playoffs and reportedly is still recovering from that procedure.
  • The NFL Network had reported that the New York Giants were one of three teams “in the mix” for the services of unrestricted free agent safety Chris Conte (Tampa Bay Buccaneers). But Conte re-signed with the Buccaneers on Sunday.
  • ESPN reports that the New York Giants have expressed interest in unrestricted free agent linebacker O’Brien Schofield (Atlanta Falcons), but Schofield told the Giants “no thanks.” The Giants pursued Schofield in free agency two years ago, but Schofield failed the team’s physical at that time.

NEW YORK POST Q&A WITH OLIVIER VERNON…
Olivier Vernon on $85M, 6-game chicken wing ban and sacking Brady by Steve Serby of The New York Post

ARTICLES…

Prince Amukamara and Robert Ayers Leave Giants

 Posted by
Mar 112016
 

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PRINCE AMUKAMARA SIGNS WITH JAGUARS…
New York Giants unrestricted free agent cornerback Prince Amukamara has signed a 1-year contract with the Jacksonville Jaguars. Financial terms of the deal are not yet known.

The 26-year old Amukamara was drafted in the 1st round of the 2011 NFL Draft by the Giants. In his five seasons with the team, he has stayed healthy for a full 16-game schedule just once (2013). He missed most of his rookie season with a broken foot, battled high ankle sprain and hamstring injuries in 2012, and missed half of the 2014 season with a torn biceps muscle.

Amukamara was off to a strong start in 2015 until he tore his pectoral muscle in Week 5. He missed the next five games, and when he returned, Amukamara did not play as effectively. He played in 11 games with 10 starts, and finished the season with 63 tackles, 10 pass defenses, 1 interception, and 1 forced fumble.

ROBERT AYERS SIGNS WITH BUCCANEERS…
New York Giants unrestricted free agent defensive end Robert Ayers has signed with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. The contract is reportedly a 3-year, $21 million deal that includes $10.5 million in guaranteed money.

The 30-year old Ayers was originally drafted in the 1st round of the 2009 NFL by the Broncos. He signed with the Giants as a free agent in April 2014. In his first year with the Giants in 2014, Ayers started 1-of-12 games before being placed on Injured Reserve with a torn pectoral muscle. Despite missing four games early in the season with a hamstring injury, Ayers had his best NFL season in 2015, starting 11-of-12 games and finishing with career highs in tackles (41), sacks (9.5), pass defenses (4), and forced fumbles (2).

MARCH 11, 2016 NEW YORK GIANTS FREE AGENT NEWS AND RUMORS…
The official NFL free agency signing period began on Wednesday. Here is the latest news and rumors regarding the New York Giants:

  • Multiple media sources report unrestricted free agent left tackle Russell Okung (Seattle Seahawks) visited the New York Giants on Friday, but left without a contract. He will next meet with the Detroit Lions on Saturday. The Seahawks and 49ers are also said to be interested in his services. Okung is representing himself in contract negotiations. The 28-year old Okung was originally drafted in the 1st round (6th overall pick) of the 2010 NFL Draft. Okung needed left shoulder surgery to repair a dislocation suffered in the 2015 playoffs and reportedly is still recovering from that procedure.
  • The NFL Network is reporting that the New York Giants are one of three teams “in the mix” for the services of unrestricted free agent safety Chris Conte (Tampa Bay Buccaneers). The other two teams are the Buccaneers and Saints. The 27-year old Conte was originally drafted in the 3rd round of the 2011 NFL Draft by the Chicago Bears. He signed with the Buccaneers in March 2015. In his five NFL seasons, Conte has played in 71 regular-season games with 65 starts, including 13 starts in 2015 when he accrued 79 tackles, six pass defenses, two interceptions, and two forced fumbles.
  • The New York Daily News is reporting that the New York Giants have expressed interest in unrestricted free agent safety Reggie Nelson (Cincinnati Bengals). However, the paper also says the Giants do not consider safety a “high priority”. The 32-year old Nelson was originally drafted in the 1st round of the 2007 NFL Draft by the Jacksonville Jaguars. Since 2010, he has played for the Bengals. In 2015, Nelson made the Pro Bowl after starting all 16 regular-season games and finishing with 77 tackles, 14 pass defenses, and eight interceptions.
  • FOXSports out of Indianapolis is reporting that the New York Giants have expressed interest in unrestricted free agent linebacker Jerrell Freeman (Indianapolis Colts). Freeman is meeting with the Chicago Bears on Friday and the Atlanta Falcons are also said to be interested. The 29-year old Freeman was originally signed as an undrafted rookie free agent by the Tennessee Titans after the 2008 NFL Draft but he did not make the team. Freeman played for the CFL’s Saskatchewan Roughriders in 2009-2011 before joining the Colts in 2012. In the last four seasons, Freeman has started all 57 regular-season games he has played in with Indianapolis, including 13 in 2015, when his finished the season with 112 tackles, three sacks, and one interception.

NO COMPENSATORY DRAFT PICKS FOR GIANTS…
As expected, the New York Giants were not awarded any compensatory draft picks for 2015 free agent losses. Compensatory picks are awarded to teams that have lost more qualifying free agents than they gained the previous year in free agency.

ARTICLES…

Giants Sign Keenan Robinson; Jaguars Pursue Amukamara and Ayers

 Posted by
Mar 102016
 
Keenan Robinson, Washington Redskins (October 4, 2015)

Keenan Robinson – © USA TODAY Sports Images

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GIANTS SIGN LB KEENAN ROBINSON…
Multiple media sources are reporting that the New York Giants have signed unrestricted free agent middle linebacker Keenan Robinson (Washington Redskins). The contract is reportedly a 1-year deal worth up to $3.5 million.

The 26-year old Robinson was originally drafted in the 4th round of the 2012 NFL Draft by the Washington Redskins. He has been an injury-plagued player who has missed time in 2012 (four games with right pectoral tear), 2013 (entire season with left pectoral tear), 2014 (three games with a knee injury), and 2015 (four games with shoulder and injuries). Robinson’s best season was in 2014 when he started all 13 games he played in and finished the year with 109 tackles, 1.5 sacks, and one interception. He played in 12 games with eight starts in 2015 and finished with 63 tackles and one interception.

Robinson has a nice combination of overall athleticism and size. Versatile, he can play inside and outside linebacker. Robinson is an instinctive, productive player who plays with a reckless style. He is more of a run-and-hit linebacker than stout run defender at the point-of-attack. He needs to improve his overall tackling consistency. Robinson is solid in pass coverage.

YouTube video highlights of Robinson:

  • Keenan Robinson 2014 Season Highlights (Video)
  • Keenan Robinson Highlights (Video)

MARCH 10, 2016 NEW YORK GIANTS FREE AGENT NEWS AND RUMORS…
The official NFL free agency signing period began on Wednesday. Here is the latest news and rumors regarding the New York Giants:

  • New York Giants unrestricted free agents defensive end Robert Ayers and cornerback Prince Amukamara are visiting the Jacksonville Jaguars.
  • The New York Giants had reportedly expressed interest in unrestricted free agent cornerback Sean Smith (Kansas City Chiefs), but he has signed with the Oakland Raiders.

GARY JETER PASSES AWAY…
Gary Jeter, who played defensive end for the New York Giants from 1977 to 1982, has passed away at the age of 61. Jeter was originally drafted in the 1st round of the 1977 draft by the Giants. He finished his playing career with the Los Angeles Rams (1983-1988) and New England Patriots (1989).

ARTICLES…

Giants Re-Sign DE Jason Pierre-Paul; Latest FA Rumors

 Posted by
Mar 082016
 
Jason Pierre-Paul, New York Giants (December 6, 2015)

Jason Pierre-Paul – © USA TODAY Sports Images

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NEW YORK GIANTS RE-SIGN DE JASON PIERRE-PAUL…
The NFL Network is reporting that the New York Giants have re-signed unrestricted free agent defensive end Jason Pierre-Paul to a 1-year contract. The NFL Network says Pierre-Paul turned down more money from other teams to remain with the Giants. ESPN.com reports that the contract could be worth “up to” $10.5 million and that the Arizona Cardinals made a strong effort to sign Pierre-Paul. The New York Daily News speculates that the contract will be laden with incentives such as sacks and playing time.

Pierre-Paul suffered serious and permanent injuries to his right hand from a July 4th fireworks accident, including the amputation of his index finger and severe damage to his thumb and middle finger. He returned to the playing field halfway through the 2015 season, wearing a large club that made it impossible for him to grab and tackle with his right hand. Pierre-Paul started the eight games he played in and finished the season with 26 tackles, 1 sack, and 6 pass defenses.

Pierre-Paul had additional offseason surgery in an effort to improve the grip on his damaged hand and hopefully allow him to play without a club.

MARCH 8, 2016 NEW YORK GIANTS FREE AGENT RUMORS…
While players can not officially sign until March 9th, Monday unofficially marked the beginning of free agency as teams can now negotiate with free agents of other teams. Here is the latest:

  • FOXSports.com is reporting that the New York Jets have expressed interest in New York Giants unrestricted free agent cornerback Prince Amukamara.
  • ESPN is reporting that free agent defensive end Charles Johnson, who met with the New York Giants on Sunday and Monday, left without a contract and met with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on Monday.
  • NJ.com is reporting that despite reports of mutual interest and a possible visit, free agent defensive end Mario Williams is “not in play for the Giants at this time.” According to multiple reports, Williams is close to signing with the Miami Dolphins.
  • ESPN is reporting that the New York Giants are “weighing the idea” of making a contract offer to transition-tagged free agent Olivier Vernon (Miami Dolphins).
  • ESPN is reporting that the New York Giants have expressed interest in the following unrestricted free agents: defensive end Williams Hayes (Los Angeles Rams), defensive end Derrick Shelby (Miami Dolphins), defensive end Adrian Clayborn (Atlanta Falcons), cornerback Patrick Robinson (San Diego Chargers), and safety Rodney McCloud (Los Angeles Rams).

March 7, 2016 New York Giants Free Agent Rumors

 Posted by
Mar 072016
 
George Iloka, Cincinnati Bengals (September 20, 2015)

George Iloka – © USA TODAY Sports Images

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MARCH 7, 2016 NEW YORK GIANTS FREE AGENT RUMORS…
While players can not officially sign until March 9th, Monday unofficially marked the beginning of free agency as teams can now negotiate with free agents of other teams. Here is the latest:

  • ESPN is reporting that free agent defensive end Charles Johnson, who was recently cut by the Carolina Panthers in a salary cap-related move, met with the New York Giants on Sunday and Monday. If the Giants and Johnson do not agree on a contract, he is reportedly scheduled to meet with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers next. From 2010-2014, Johnson averaged 43 tackles and 10.5 sacks per year. Those numbers plummeted in 2015 when Johnson missed seven regular-season games with a hamstring injury and finished the year with 12 tackles and one sack. He had an excellent game in the Super Bowl with five tackles, one sack, and a forced fumble. Overall, Johnson accrued nine tackles, three sacks, and two forced fumbles in three post-season games last season.
  • Following up on yesterday’s update, there is no new information on free agent defensive end Mario Williams visiting the Giants. BleacherReport.com is reporting that the Giants, Dolphins, and Jaguars are interested in Williams, who supposedly is seeking a $10 million-per-year contract. The 31-year old Williams was recently released by the Bills. Miscast in a 3-4 defense, Williams started 15 games for the Bills in 2015 and finished the season with just 19 tackles and five sacks. From 2012-2014, Williams averaged 34 tackles and 13 sacks per season. He is a four-time Pro Bowler (2008, 2009, 2013, 2014) and was first-team All Pro in 2014.
  • The New York Daily News is reporting that the New York Giants are interested in Atlanta Falcons unrestricted free agent defensive end Adrian Clayborn. Several other teams are also said to be interested in Clayborn, who was originally drafted in the 1st round of the 2011 NFL Draft. He missed most of the 2012 season with a knee injury and most of the 2014 season with a biceps injury. The Falcons signed Clayborn as a free agent in 2015. Last season, he played in all 16 regular-season games with four starts, finishing the year with 15 tackles and three sacks.
  • The Cincinnati Enquirer is reporting that the New York Giants are one of several teams interested in Cincinnati Bengals unrestricted free agent safety George Iloka. The 25-year old Iloka was originally drafted in the 5th round of the 2012 NFL Draft. He has started all 44 regular-season games he played in the last three seasons, including 12 games in 2015 where he accrued 47 tackles and one interception.
  • The Cleveland Plains Dealer is reporting that the New York Giants have expressed interest in Cleveland Browns unrestricted free agent Mitchell Schwartz, the brother of recently-waived guard Geoff Schwartz. The 26-year old Schwartz was originally drafted in the 2nd round of the 2012 NFL Draft by the Browns. He has started every game during his first four years in the NFL.
  • The St. Paul Pioneer Press is reporting that the New York Giants have expressed interest in Minnesota Vikings unrestricted free agent offensive guard Mike Harris. The 27-year old Harris was originally signed as an undrafted rookie free agent by the San Diego Chargers after the 2012 NFL Draft. He started all 16 regular-season games for the Vikings in 2015.
  • A media report out of Arizona says the Cardinals are interested in signing New York Giants unrestricted free agent defensive end Jason Pierre-Paul.
  • BleacherReport.com is reporting that New York Giants unrestricted free agent defensive end Robert Ayers is seeking a $10 million-per-year contract.

GIANTS AND VICTOR CRUZ TALK RESTRUCTURING…
ESPN.com is reporting that the New York Giants had discussions last week with the representatives for wide receiver Victor Cruz about restructuring his contract. Cruz is currently set to count $9.9 million against the team’s 2016 NFL cap, the second most by a player after quarterback Eli Manning. It has been speculated that if Cruz does not accept a pay cut, he may be released from the Giants. Cruz recently said that he believed there was an “80 percent” chance he would return to Giants.

Cruz did not play in any preseason or regular-season games in 2015. Cruz was placed on Injured Reserve in November 2015 due to a left calf injury suffered in August that never healed and required surgery. It is the third leg injury that Cruz has suffered since signing his big 6-year contract in July 2013, including arthroscopic surgery on his left knee in 2013 and career-threatening patellar tendon surgery on his right knee in 2014.

ARTICLES…

Latest New York Giants Free Agent Rumors

 Posted by
Feb 292016
 
Robert Ayers, New York Giants (November 15, 2015)

Robert Ayers – © USA TODAY Sports Images

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LATEST NEW YORK GIANTS FREE AGENT RUMORS…
NFL free agency begins on March 9th, although teams can are officially allowed to start talking to players on other teams on March 7th. NJ.com is reporting the following:

  • The New York Giants would like to re-sign unrestricted free agent defensive end Jason Pierre-Paul to a 1-year, “prove it” contract. If Pierre-Paul can get a longer term deal on the open market, he is likely gone. Pierre-Paul’s camp believes he will be offered $10 million per year on the open market.
  • There may be a strong market for unrestricted free agent defensive end Robert Ayers, who the Giants would also like to re-sign.
  • There is not much noise about unrestricted free agent cornerback Prince Amukamara. The Giants want Amukamara to gauge his value on an open market that may have a number of quality cornerbacks available. The Giants are first focusing on addressing their front seven on defense in free agency.
  • The Giants are going to let unrestricted free agent place kicker Josh Brown test the market. They would like to re-sign Brown, but if he can get a multi-year deal from another team, they will apparently let him go.

ARTICLES…

Giants Re-Sign Zak DeOssie; Amukamara Likely to Hit Open Market

 Posted by
Feb 172016
 
Zak DeOssie, New York Giants (December 30, 2012)

Zak DeOssie – © USA TODAY Sports Images

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GIANTS RE-SIGN ZAK DEOSSIE…
The New York Giants have re-signed long snapper Zak DeOssie, who was set to become an unrestricted free agent in March. The New York Daily News is reporting that it is a 1-year contract.

After never missing a game for the first eight years of his NFL career, Zak DeOssie ended up missing the final four regular-season games of 2015 with a wrist injury that required surgery. DeOssie is one of the NFL’s most consistent long snappers, being voted to the Pro Bowl in 2008 and 2010. DeOssie was drafted as a linebacker by the Giants in the 4th round of the 2007 NFL Draft. He is now strictly a special teams player. Aside from his long snapping duties, DeOssie also excels in punt coverage.

PRINCE AMUKAMARA LIKELY TO HIT OPEN MARKET…
New York Giants cornerback Prince Amukamara, who is scheduled to be an unrestricted free agent in March, was interviewed on SiriusXM Radio on Wednesday. Amukamara said his agent and the Giants have not yet discussed a new contract and that he expects to hit the open market.

“I do hope to be back,” said Amukamara. “I feel like the organization is a great fit for me, and I do feel like they have expressed an interest… From what coach (Head Coach Ben) McAdoo is saying, it looks like they’re going to build a great team. So I’m excited about that.

“My agent told me to be open-minded going into the process, and don’t rule out any teams. You never know what’s going to happen. The money’s not a huge issue, but as a professional, you definitely want to be paid for what you’re worth. If it’s a crazy number per year, or a guaranteed number, than I think that’s a no-brainer. But I think when everything starts to become close, for me, it does come down to scheme, and then location.”

Amukamara was off to a strong start in 2015 until he tore his pectoral muscle in Week 5. He missed the next five games, and when he returned, Amukamara did not play as effectively. He played in 11 games with 10 starts, and finished the season with 63 tackles, 10 pass defenses, 1 interception, and 1 forced fumble. In his five seasons with the team, Amukamara has stayed healthy for a full 16-game schedule just once (2013). He missed most of his rookie season with a broken foot, battled high ankle sprain and hamstring injuries in 2012, and missed half of the 2014 season with a torn biceps muscle.

“I think I’ve put on film that when I’m on the field, I can definitely play, and play as good as anybody,” Amukamara said. “But I do have that injury bug or whatever attached to me. But it’s all fluke injuries. I’m not trying to make excuses; injuries are injuries. I think my film is great enough to put me in position to be one of the top corners to be picked up.”

WILL BEATTY OFFICIALLY RELEASED/FAILED PHYSICAL…
The NFL Network is reporting that offensive tackle was officially released/failed physical as he is still recovering from rotator cuff surgery.

ARTICLES…

Prince Amukamara Says He May Be Moving on From Giants

 Posted by
Jan 292016
 
Prince Amukamara, New York Giants (December 20, 2015)

Prince Amukamara – © USA TODAY Sports Images

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PRINCE AMUKAMARA SAYS HE MAY BE MOVING ON FROM GIANTS…
New York Giants cornerback Prince Amukamara indicated on FOXSports Radio on Friday that he may be moving on from the team. Amukamara is scheduled to be an unrestricted free agent when free agency starts on March 6th.

Amukamara was asked about Tom Coughlin no longer coaching the team. “I wasn’t as surprised,” said Amukamara. “I really didn’t have (any) feeling, only because I felt like I was playing my last game as a Giant and I probably wasn’t going to be coached by him anyways.”

LIONS HIRE GIANTS DIRECTOR OF FOOTBALL OPERATIONS…
The Detroit Lions have hired New York Giants Director of Football Operations Matt Harriss. He will serve as Detroit’s Vice President of Football Administration, being the team’s salary cap expert. Harriss had been with the Giants for 10 years. He worked with Assistant General Manager Kevin Abrams on all aspects of the salary cap, Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) compliance, and player contract negotiations.

Former Giants General Manger Ernie Accorsi is currently serving as a consultant for the Lions, and Accorsi hired Harriss with the Giants in 2006.

LAWRENCE TAYLOR NAMED TO “SUPER BOWL 50 GOLDEN TEAM”…
The Pro Football Hall of Fame Board of Selectors have named former New York Giants linebacker Lawrence Taylor to the “Super Bowl 50 Golden Team.” The honor was bestowed on 26 players and one head coach in recognition of the best overall career performances in the Super Bowl. Taylor, who played in both Super Bowl XXI and XXV, was the only Giants player to be named to the team.

RASHAD JENNINGS ON ESPN RADIO…
The audio of Thursday’s ESPN Radio interview with New York Giants running back Rashad Jennings is available at ESPN.com.

Giants Interview Doug Marrone on Saturday

 Posted by
Jan 082016
 
Doug Marrone, Jacksonville Jaguars (September 13, 2015)

Doug Marrone – © USA TODAY Sports Images

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GIANTS INTERVIEW DOUG MARRONE ON SATURDAY…
The New York Giants will interview Jacksonville Jaguars Assistant Head Coach/Offensive Line Coach Doug Marrone on Saturday. In recent years, Marrone also served as head coach of the Syracuse Orange (2009-2012) and Buffalo Bills (2013-2014). The 51-year old Marrone has received interest from the Eagles, Browns, and Dolphins.

As reported previously, other candidates include:

  • 38-year old New York Giants Offensive Coordinator Ben McAdoo, who interviewed on Tuesday.
  • 56-year old New York Giants Defensive Coordinator Steve Spagnuolo, who interviewed on Thursday.
  • 50-year old Detroit Lions Defensive Coordinator Teryl Austin, who interviewed on Thursday.
  • 37-year old Chicago Bears Offensive Coordinator Adam Gase, who interviewed on Friday.
  • 41-year old Carolina Panthers Defensive Coordinator Sean McDermott. Teams can interview McDermott this week but not next week because of the Panthers playoff schedule.

ODELL BECKHAM NAMED SECOND-TEAM ALL-PRO…
New York Giants wide receiver Odell Beckham has been named second-team All-Pro by The Associated Press. In 2015, Beckham started 15 games and finished the season with 96 catches for 1,450 yards and 13 touchdowns. The AP All-Pro team is selected by a national panel of 50 media members. Other Giants to receive votes included center Weston Richburg (1) and kick returner Dwayne Harris (4).

ARTICLES…

Tom Coughlin Stepping Down as Coach of the New York Giants

 Posted by
Jan 042016
 
Tom Coughlin, New York Giants (January 3, 2016)

Tom Coughlin – © USA TODAY Sports Images

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TOM COUGHLIN STEPS DOWN AS HEAD COACH OF THE GIANTS…
In a move that was somewhat expected, Tom Coughlin is stepping down as head coach of the New York Giants. Coughlin served as head coach of the team for 12 seasons, guiding the franchise to five playoff berths, three division titles, two NFC Championships, and two NFL Championships. He coached the Giants to a 102-90 regular season record and 8-3 post-season record. Coughlin had more wins in franchise history of any coach except for Steve Owen. However, the team has had three losing seasons in a row and has missed the playoffs six times out of the last seven years.

The Giants will hold a press conference on Tuesday morning at 10:30AM with Coughlin, team president/CEO John Mara, team chairman/executive vice president Steve Tisch, and team general manager Jerry Reese.

“I met with John Mara and Steve Tisch this afternoon, and I informed them that it is in the best interest of the organization that I step down as head coach. I strongly believe the time is right for me and my family, and as I said, the Giants organization,” said Coughlin in a prepared press release.

“It has been an honor and a privilege to serve as head coach of the New York Football Giants. This is a not a sad occasion for me. I have spent 15 years with this organization as an assistant and head coach and was fortunate to be part of three Super Bowl winning teams. A Lombardi Trophy every five years is an achievement in which we all take great pride.

“Obviously, the past three years have not been what any of us expect, and as head coach, I accept the responsibility for those seasons.

“I think it has been evident these last 12 years here how much pride I take in representing this franchise. I am gratified and proud that we were able to deliver two more Lombardi trophies to the display case in our lobby during that time. That is a tribute to our players and staff, and it was truly fulfilling to be the leader of those teams.

“I appreciate the support of John and his family and Steve and his family, and of Jerry Reese and his staff. I think our organization is a great representation of what I mean when I talk about ‘team’.

“Finally, I would be remiss if I did not thank my wife Judy and our four children and their spouses and our 11 (soon to be 12) grandchildren. None of this would have been possible without their unconditional love and support.”

Mara, Tisch, and Reese also commented by press release.

“It is difficult to come up with words adequate to describe the appreciation we have for everything Tom Coughlin has done for our franchise,” Mara said. “In addition to delivering two Super Bowl titles, Tom represented us with class and dignity, and restored the pride to our entire organization. He has all the qualities you could ever ask for in a head coach, and set very high standards for whoever will succeed him.”

“On behalf of my family, I want to thank Coach Coughlin for how he has represented our franchise for the past 12 years,” said Tisch. “He embodies the beliefs of this organization and everything the New York Giants stand for. I respect his decision, and while I appreciate Tom’s perspective and attitude, at the same time, I am a bit saddened today because we are losing a man who is just as good a person as he is a coach. He is a Hall of Famer in every regard.”

“My years with Coach Coughlin have been an amazing opportunity to work with one on the best coaches the NFL has seen and one of the best people that I’ve met in my lifetime,” Reese said. “The GM/Coach relationship is of the utmost importance in this business, and I’m grateful for the relationship we had.”

FOXSports is reporting that Coughin is not retiring and remains interested in coaching if the right opportunity presents itself.

According to press reports, team ownership met in the morning before meeting with Coughlin at 1:00PM. Coughlin met with staff and players in the morning but did not share any insights about his status. He then met with the coaching staff after his early afternoon meeting with ownership.

REPORT – JERRY REESE SAFE…
According to NFL.com, New York Giants General Manger Jerry Reese’s job is safe. He will not be fired.

GIANTS INTERESTED IN CHIP KELLY?…
According to Comcast SportsNet Philadelphia, the New York Giants are said to be one of several teams interested in interviewing Chip Kelly for their head coaching vacancy. Kelly, who served as head coach of the Philadelphia Eagles from 2013-2015, was recently fired by the team. The other teams reported to be interested in Kelly include the 49ers, Browns, and Titans.

EAGLES INTERESTED IN BEN MCADOO?…
According to FOXSports, New York Giants Offensive Coordinator Ben McAdoo is one of several potential head coaching candidates for the Philadelphia Eagles. Chicago Bears Offensive Coordinator Adam Gase and Detroit Lions Defensive Coordinator Teryl Austin are also said to be drawing interest from the Eagles.

SEAN PAYTON INTERESTED IN GIANTS?…
According to CBS Sports, New Orleans Saints Head Coach Sean Payton is interested in becoming the Giants next head coach. Payton served as the offensive coordinator with the Giants under Jim Fassel from 2000-2002. However, the Saints are reportedly seeking a second-round draft pick for Payton.

THE PLAYERS SPEAK…
The following transcripts and video of player media sessions on Monday are available in The Corner Forum and at Giants.com:

ARTICLES…

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