Jasper Brinkley Re-Signing Official

Jasper Brinkley – © USA TODAY Sports Images

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JASPER BRINKLEY RE-SIGNING OFFICIAL…
Although it had been originally announced on March 18th, the re-signing of unrestricted free agent linebacker Jasper Brinkley was made official on Tuesday. Jasper signed a 1-year contract.

The Giants originally signed Brinkley in September 2015 after he was released by the Dallas Cowboys. He played in 15 games, starting nine at middle linebacker, and finished the season with 67 tackles, 1 sack, and 4 forced fumbles. Brinkley was drafted in the 5th round of the 2009 NFL Draft by the Minnesota Vikings. Since that time, he has spent time with the Vikings (2009-12, 2014), Cardinals (2013), and Cowboys (2015). Brinkley has played in 94 regular-season games with 42 starts. He missed the 2011 season due to hip surgery.

“This is where I wanted to be,” Brinkley said. “I had a good season last year. Just given the opportunities I had, and given the guys that are here and the mentality the coaches have, there’s definitely a winning mentality here, and I want to be a part of that.

“I came here week one and my head was spinning. There was smoke coming out of my ears. I leaned on (Jon) Beason and Mark Herzlich. Those guys helped me a lot. I owe a great deal to those guys…I was tested last year, and being patient paid off for me in the end. When you’re number’s called, you have to be able to go out there and perform, and I feel I did that.”

Brinkley noted the Giants’ free agent acquisitions on defense, including defensive end Olivier Vernon, defensive tackle Damon Harrison, and cornerback Janoris Jenkins.

“I can see we made great strides this offseason,” Brinkley said. “We brought some top-tier quality players in here on the defensive side of the ball. That’s going to take us a long way. I’m excited to get back out on the green grass with those guys.”

Brinkley will have to compete for the starting middle linebacker spot with newcomer Keenan Robinson.

“There’s always competition,” Brinkley said. “Nothing has ever been given to me. I have to earn it. Keenan is going to give great competition.”

The video of an exclusive Giants.com interview with Brinkley is available at the team’s website.

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