May 25, 2017 New York Giants OTA Practice Report

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May 252017
 
B.J. Goodson, New York Giants (May 25, 2017)

B.J. Goodson – © USA TODAY Sports Images

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MAY 25, 2017 NEW YORK GIANTS OTA PRACTICE REPORT…
The Giants held their third voluntary organized team activity (OTA) practice on Thursday. No live contact is permitted during OTAs, but 7-on-7, 9-on-7, and 11-on-11 drills are allowed.

The seven remaining OTA practices will be held on May 30-31, June 2, June 5-6, and June 8-9. A mandatory mini-camp will be held on June 13-15.

INJURY REPORT AND ABSENTEES…
Tight end Rhett Ellison (soreness), safety Darian Thompson (recovering from lisfranc injury), and linebacker J.T. Thomas (recovering from torn ACL) did not practice.

Cornerback Eli Apple (thigh or hamstring) left practice early with a wrap around his leg.

Wide receiver Odell Beckham, Jr., defensive end Olivier Vernon, and defensive end Owamagbe Odighizuwa were no-shows for the voluntary OTA.

PRACTICE NOTES…
Some snippets from various media sources:

  • The first-team offensive line was Ereck Flowers at left tackle, Justin Pugh at left guard, Weston Richburg at center, John Jerry at right guard, and Bobby Hart at right tackle.
  • The second-team offensive line was Michael Bowie at left tackle, Adam Gettis at left guard, Brett Jones at center, D.J. Fluker at right guard, and Adam Bisnowaty at right tackle.
  • With Odell Beckham, Jr. absent, Brandon Marshall and Sterling Shepard “started” but Tavarres King also saw quite a bit of time with the first unit.
  • The second-team quarterback was Josh Johnson.
  • First-team defense included defensive ends Jason Pierre Paul and Romeo Okwara; defensive tackles Robert Thomas and Damon Harrison; linebackers Devon Kennard, B.J. Goodson, and Jonathan Casillas; cornerbacks Janoris Jenkins and Eli Apple; and safeties Landon Collins and Andrew Adams.
  • Stansly Maponga, who was at defensive end last season, saw snaps at linebacker.
  • Mykkele Thompson saw reps at cornerback.
  • Wide receiver Brandon Marshall beat cornerback Janoris Jenkins deep for a long touchdown. Later, Jenkins broke up a pass intended for Marshall.
  • Tight end Evan Engram was spotted lining up in multiple positions.
  • Wide receiver Darius Powe made a nice catch from quarterback Josh Johnson.
  • Donte Deayon saw work at nickel corner.
  • Quarterback Josh Johnson hit wide receiver Dwayne Harris in stride over the middle for a touchdown.
  • Place kicker Aldrick Rosas was sharp, including nailing one from 50 yards out with plenty of distance to spare.
  • Linebacker Mark Herzlich saw reps at tight end and made a catch down the seam from quarterback Davis Webb. Tight end Evan Engram also made a nice catch from Webb.

GIANTS CUT ISHAQ WILLIAMS AND RAHIM MOORE…
The New York Giants officially announced on Thursday that the team has signed unrestricted free agents defensive end Devin Taylor (Detroit Lions) and safety Duke Ihenacho (Washington Redskins). To make room for these two, the Giants waived/injured linebacker Ishaq Williams and terminated the contract of safety Rahim Moore.

Williams was signed to the Practice Squad in September 2016 and the 53-man roster in December 2016. He did not play in any games. The Giants originally signed Williams after he impressed as a tryout player during the May 2016 mini-camp. Williams had been out of football since 2013 after being implicated in an academic dishonesty scandal at Notre Dame.

Moore was signed by the Giants to a reserve/future contract in January 2017. Moore was originally drafted in the 2nd round of 2011 NFL Draft by the Denver Broncos. The Giants pursued Moore in free agency in 2015 before he signed with the Houston Texans, who waived him in March 2016 after he was benched for the bulk of the season. Moore signed with the Browns last year but he did not make the team.

GERALD HODGES SIGNS WITH THE BILLS…
Unrestricted free agent linebacker Gerald Hodges (San Francisco 49ers) has signed a 1-year contract with the Buffalo Bills. Hodges visited the Giants on Wednesday.

VICTOR CRUZ TO SIGN WITH THE BEARS…
Former New York Giants wide receiver Victor Cruz (2010-2016) will sign a 1-year contract with the Chicago Bears. The Giants cut Cruz in February.

HEAD COACH BEN MCADOO…
The transcript of Ben McAdoo’s press conference on Thursday is available in The Corner Forum while the video is available at Giants.com.

THE PLAYERS SPEAK…
Transcripts and video clips of the media sessions with the following players are available in The Corner Forum and at Giants.com:

ARTICLES…

New York Giants Sign Four More to Reserve/Future Contracts

 Posted by
Jan 122017
 
Rahim Moore, Cleveland Browns (August 12, 2016)

Rahim Moore – © USA TODAY Sports Images

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GIANTS SIGN FOUR MORE TO RESERVE/FUTURE CONTRACTS…
The New York Giants have officially signed the following players to reserve/future contracts for 2017:

  • RB Daryl Virgies
  • OG Martin Wallace
  • LB Curtis Grant
  • S Rahim Moore

Virgies is a small school back who was not drafted or signed after the 2016 NFL Draft. He did work out with the Packers, Colts, and Winnipeg Blue bombers of the CFL. Virgies has good size and outstanding speed.

Wallace was originally signed as an undrafted rookie free agent by the Cleveland Browns after the 2013 NFL Draft. He has spent time with the Browns (2013), Panthers (2014-2015), Buccaneers (2015), Bears (2015-2016), Cardinals (2016), and Jets (2016). Wallace has only played in one regular-season game with no starts. He has very good size.

Grant was originally signed as an undrafted rookie free agent by the San Diego Chargers after the 2015 NFL Draft. He has spent time with the Chargers (2015), Falcons (2015), Titans (2016), Raiders (2016), and 49ers (2016). Grant is a well-built, physical linebacker whose instincts and agility have been questioned. He was considered the #1 inside linebacking prospect coming out of high school.

Moore was originally drafted in the 2nd round of 2011 NFL Draft by the Denver Broncos. The Giants pursued Moore in free agency in 2015 before he signed with the Houston Texans, who waived him in March 2016 after he was benched for the bulk of the season. Moore signed with the Browns last year but he did not make the team. Moore lacks ideal size but he is good athlete with fine range for the position. He is not a physical player against the run and he misses too many tackles.

ARTICLES…

Chykie Brown Re-Signed and Other Giants Free Agent News

 Posted by
Mar 122015
 
Chykie Brown, New York Giants (November 16, 2014)

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Chykie Brown Re-Signed by New York Giants: According to NJ.com, the New York Giants have re-signed unrestricted free agent cornerback Chykie Brown. Terms of the deal are not yet known.

The Giants claimed Brown off of waivers from the Baltimore Ravens in November 2014. He ended up playing in eight games with four starts and finished the season with 31 tackles and two pass defenses for the Giants. Brown was originally drafted by the Ravens in the 5th round of the 2011 NFL Draft. In four seasons with the Ravens, Brown played in 46 regular-season games with two starts.

“He is a young man that is very conscientious,” said former Giants defensive coordinator Perry Fewell in December 2014. “He takes very good notes, and when I say takes good notes, he is a good film study guy. He doesn’t have all of our techniques down pat, but he has the long arms. We like that, for jams, he has really good speed, so we like the speed that he can possess when he runs down the field.

“He is a pretty tough guy as a corner. Most corners are not physically tough guys, I think he is a pretty tough guy. I think he is a really nice addition to come in and help play in our secondary. We just like the speed factor, and some of the intangibles of what I just mentioned in his play.”

For a list of all of the Giants free agents, see the 2015 Free Agency Scorecard section of the website.

Other New York Giants Free Agent News:

  • Unrestricted free agent safety Rahim Moore (Denver Broncos), who the Giants reportedly were interested in, has signed with the Houston Texans.
  • Unrestricted free agent defensive end Adrian Clayborn (Tampa Bay Buccaneers), who the Giants were reportedly interested in, has signed with the Atlanta Falcons.
  • The Giants are reportedly interested in unrestricted free agent safety Darian Stewart (Baltimore Ravens). However, according to the The Daily News, while Stewart is visiting the Broncos and Falcons, he has no visit scheduled with the Giants.

Article on the New York Giants and Free Agency:

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Article on the New York Giants Running Backs: Andre Williams welcomes Shane Vereen, says three’s not a crowd in Giants’ backfield by Tom Rock of Newsday

New York Giants Re-Sign Linebacker Mark Herzlich

 Posted by
Mar 112015
 
Mark Herzlich, New York Giants (November 16, 2014)

Mark Herzlich Recovers Onsides Kick – © USA TODAY Sports Images

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New York Giants Re-Sign Linebacker Mark Herzlich: The New York Giants have re-signed unrestricted free agent linebacker Mark Herzlich. The contract is reportedly a 2-year deal.

In his fourth season with the Giants in 2014, Herzlich had his most productive season, playing in 15 games with eight starts at outside linebacker. He finished the season with 52 tackles, one sack, and two pass defenses. Herzlich was signed as an undrafted rookie free agent after the 2011 NFL Draft. Herzlich was regarded as one of the better collegiate linebackers in the country before missing the 2009 season with bone cancer, which led to him having a titanium rod inserted into his left femur.

For a list of all of the Giants free agents, see the 2015 Free Agency Scorecard section of the website.

Other New York Giants Free Agent News: Here is the latest news on the free agent front:

  • Unrestricted free agent defensive tackle Dan Williams (Arizona Cardinals), who the Giants had expressed interest in, has signed with the Oakland Raiders.
  • Unrestricted free agent safety Rahim Moore (Denver Broncos), who the Giants are reportedly interested in, is visiting the Houston Texans.
  • The New York Daily News reports that the Giants remain interested in unrestricted free agent safety Ron Parker (Kansas City Chiefs). Parker is reportedly scheduled to visit the Bears.

Giants Interested in Shane Vereen and Other Free Agent News

 Posted by
Mar 092015
 
Shane Vereen, New England Patriots (February 1, 2015)

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With the third day of the negotiating period when teams can talk to free agents on other teams nearing completion, here is the latest news on the free agent front for the New York Giants:

  • The NFL Network is reporting that the Giants are showing “significant interest” in unrestricted free agent running back Shane Vereen (New England Patriots). The 26-year old Vereen (5’10”, 205 lbs) carried the ball 96 times for 391 yards and caught 52 passes for 447 yards in 2014.
  • According to press reports, middle linebacker Jon Beason has indeed agreed to re-structure his contract in order to create more salary-cap space for the team. Beason was about to enter the second year of a 3-year, $17 million contract that he signed with the Giants last offseason. According to NJ.com, Beason’s new deal cut his total compensation in 2015 from $5.825 million to $3.7 million, which can only be earned in full on a conditional basis such as playing time incentives.
  • Unrestricted free agent linebacker Jacquian Williams (New York Giants) tweeted that five teams have expressed an interest in his services. The Giants are not believed to be one of those teams.
  • Newsday continues to report that the Giants are interested in unrestricted free agent safeties Rahim Moore (Denver Broncos) and Ron Parker (Kansas City Chiefs).
  • The Giants reportedly made a big push to sign unrestricted free agent defensive end/linebacker Brandon Graham (Philadelphia Eagles), but the Eagles re-signed Graham to a 4-year, $26 million contract with $14 million in guaranteed money. According to The New York Daily News: “That wasn’t completely unexpected by the Giants, according to a source, and it hasn’t stopped them from making calls on some of the top free agents. But their plan is to set a price and not exceed it, and so far the final prices all have.”
  • Unrestricted free agent defensive end/linebacker Pernell McPhee (Baltimore Ravens), who the Giants has reportedly expressed interest in, agreed to a 5-year, $40 million contract ($16 million guaranteed) with the Chicago Bears.

Teams can officially sign players from other teams at 4:00PM ET on Tuesday, March 10.

March 9, 2015 New York Giants Free Agent Update

 Posted by
Mar 092015
 
Dan Williams, Arizona Cardinals (October 12, 2014)

Free Agent Dan Williams – © USA TODAY Sports Images

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With the second day of the negotiating period now over when teams can talk to free agents on other teams, here is the latest news on the free agent front for the New York Giants:

  • Devin McCourty, who was widely regarded as the best safety on the market, has re-signed with the New England Patriots. According to multiple press reports, the Giants were one of the teams making a big push to sign McCourty. McCourty signed a 5-year, $47.5 million contract.
  • The Buffalo Bills are also reportedly close to re-signing unrestricted free agent defensive end Jerry Hughes, who the Giants also reportedly expressed interest in.
  • Confirming earlier reports, Newsday is reporting that the Giants reached out to unrestricted free agent safeties Rahim Moore (Denver Broncos) and Ron Parker (Kansas City Chiefs) over the weekend.
  • Newsday is also reporting that the Giants are trying to re-sign unrestricted free agent safety Stevie Brown.
  • ESPN continues to report that the Giants reached out to unrestricted free agent defensive tackle Dan Williams (Arizona Cardinals) and defensive end Brandon Graham (Philadelphia Eagles) over the weekend.
  • The New York Daily News is reporting that while the Giants are interested in unrestricted linebacker Brooks Reed (Houston Texans), the team is not considered a front runner to sign him.
  • In case you missed it, the Giants are also reportedly interest in unrestricted free agent running backs Roy Helu (Washington Redskins) and Antone Smith (Atlanta Falcons).

Teams can officially sign players from other teams at 4:00PM ET on Tuesday, March 10.

NYG Interest in Jerry Hughes, Pernell McPhee, Brandon Graham, Dan Williams

 Posted by
Mar 082015
 
Jerry Hughes, Buffalo Bills (December 21, 2014)

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ESPN is reporting that the New York Giants are interested in unrestricted free agents defensive end Jerry Hughes (Buffalo Bills), defensive end/linebacker Pernell McPhee (Baltimore Ravens), defensive end/linebacker Brandon Graham (Philadelphia Eagles), and defensive tackle Dan Williams (Arizona Cardinals).

The 26-year old Hughes (6’2”, 254 lbs) started 16 games in 2014 and finished with 53 tackles, 10 sacks, and three forced fumbles. The 26-year old McPhee (6’3” 280 lbs) did not start a game but was a key reserve for the Ravens, accruing 27 tackles, 7.5 sacks, and one force fumble. The 26-year old Graham (6’2”, 265 lbs) started one game for the Eagles, and finished the year with 47 tackles, 5.5 sacks, and four forced fumbles. The 27-year old Williams (6’2”, 327 lbs) started nine games, accruing 31 tackles and one sack. He is considered one of the better run-defending tackles in the game.

ESPN is also confirming the Giants interest in unrestricted free agent safeties Devin McCourty (New England Patriots), Rahim Moore (Denver Broncos), and Ron Parker (Kansas City Chiefs). However, ESPN says the cost for McCourty and Moore may be higher than what the Giants are able and willing to pay. On the other hand, NJ.com is reporting that the Giants are serious players for McCourty, who is expected to receive a contract worth $9-10 million per season. The Giants apparently reached out to McCourty on Saturday.

ESPN says the Giants are likely to re-sign linebacker Mark Herzlich, tight end Daniel Fells, and fullback Henry Hynoski, while safety Antrel Rolle, linebacker Jacquian Williams, and cornerback Walter Thurmond are unlikely to re-sign. NJ.com is reporting that safety Stevie Brown, Fells, and Hynoski are likely to be re-signed and that Herzlich and linebacker Spencer Paysinger may return.

Although teams cannot officially sign players from other teams until 4:00PM ET on March 10, the negotiating period began on March 7.

Giants Expected to Pursue Devin McCourty and Rahim Moore

 Posted by
Mar 062015
 


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Giants Expected to Pursue Devin McCourty and Rahim Moore: NJ.com is reporting that multiple sources have said the New York Giants are expected to pursue unrestricted free agent safeties Devin McCourty (New England Patriots) and Rahim Moore (Denver Broncos). BigBlueInteractive.com sources had reported the same on Thursday.

Rahim Moore, Denver Broncos (October 23, 2014)

Rahim Moore – © USA TODAY Sports Images

McCourty and Moore are widely regarded as the top two safeties on the free agent market. Meanwhile, all three of last season’s top safeties on the Giants are unrestricted free agents who may not return: Antrel Rolle, Stevie Brown, and Quintin Demps.

The 32-year old Rolle, who has been with the Giants the last five seasons, has said he has not talked contract with the Giants and he is expects to hit the open market.

“The Giants’ organization has been phenomenal to me, and I think I’ve been phenomenal to them. But right now, this is just part of the business and you wait it out,” Rolle said. “This is all business. The Giants are going to handle this as a professional business matter and I plan on the same thing. As far as giving a team a hometown discount, that’s really irrelevant at this point, because no numbers have been talked about.

“Whether I’m with the Giants or not with the Giants, I’m always going to be a Giant at heart. I’ve loved my time here. I’ve been very, very fortunate to be a part of such an organization as the New York Giants for the past five years. I wouldn’t change it for the world.

“When you’re a free agent, you think about any team. There’s no team that’s going to be out of the loop. This is strictly a business move. This is a business move for the Giants, this is a business move for myself. If there are 32 teams interested, I’m going to look at all 32 teams. Right now, it’s just waiting time. Just waiting patiently and see what happens next. As far as I’m concerned, once March 10 comes, I’m going to become a free agent.”

Articles on the New York Giants and Free Agency:

Latest New York Giants Free Agent Rumors

 Posted by
Mar 052015
 
Jerrel Jernigan, New York Giants (September 8, 2014)

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Latest New York Giants Free Agent Rumors: Teams can begin negotiating with free agents on other teams on March 7 and begin signing players on other teams on March 10. Here are the latest New York Giants free agent rumors:

  • According to a BigBlueInteractive.com (BBI) source, the Giants hope to have a new, long-term deal with defensive end Jason Pierre-Paul by Monday, but there are significant differences over guaranteed money.
  • According to a BBI source, the Giants and linebacker Jon Beason have agreed to a contract re-structuring that will create more cap space for the team.
  • According to a BBI source, the Giants intend to invite unrestricted free agent safeties Devin McCourty (Patriots) and Rahim Moore (Broncos) to visit.
  • According to a BBI source, the Giants rumored interest in unrestricted free agent defensive tackle Ndamukong Suh is smoke.
  • The New York Daily News is reporting that while there have been talks between the Giants and unrestricted free agent safety Antrel Rolle, the discussions have not been productive and Rolle may receive much higher contract offers from other teams on the open market. NJ.com believes Rolle will sign with another team. Rolle is denying he and the Giants have talked about a new contract.

  • The Daily News is reporting that the Giants and unrestricted free agent cornerback Walter Thurmond have talked about a new contract, but he will likely test the open market. NJ.com believes Thurmond will sign with another team.
  • The Daily News is reporting that the Giants would like to re-sign unrestricted free agent safety Stevie Brown but a source told the paper that his chance to return is “50-50”. NJ.com believes Brown will re-sign with the Giants.
  • NJ.com and The Daily News are reporting that unrestricted free agent linebacker Jacquian Williams will hit the free agent market. NJ.com says it is unlikely that the Giants will re-sign him.
  • The Daily News is reporting that the Giants are not interested in re-signing unrestricted free agent wide receiver Jerrel Jernigan. NJ.com believes Jernigan will not be re-signed.
  • The Daily News is reporting that there have been talks between the Giants and unrestricted free agent tight end Daniel Fells but nothing substantial. NJ.com believes Fells will not be re-signed.
  • The Daily News says there were talks about bringing back unrestricted free agent defensive tackle Mike Patterson before defensive tackle Cullen Jenkins accepted a pay cut. Now it is unclear if the Giants want Patterson back. NJ.com believes Patterson will not be re-signed.
  • The Daily News reports there have been talks between the Giants and unrestricted free agent linebacker Spencer Paysinger, but Paysinger is expected to hit the open market. NJ.com believes the Giants will re-sign Paysinger.
  • The Daily News is reporting that the Giants have been in talks with unrestricted free agent cornerback Chykie Brown and Brown could be re-signed soon. On the other hand, NJ.com believes Brown will not be re-signed.

NJ.com also believes the Giants will re-sign unrestricted free agents linebacker Mark Herzlich, fullback Henry Hynoski, and guard John Jerry. NJ.com does not believe the Giants will re-sign unrestricted free agents cornerback Zack Bowman, tackle James Brewer, safety Quintin Demps, running back Chris Ogbonnaya, and guard Adam Snyder.

Article on the New York Giants and Free Agency: If Rolle bolts, these 4 safeties could help Giants secondary by Paul Schwartz of The New York Post