Nov 182015
 


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GIANTS SIGN COOPER TAYLOR TO 53-MAN ROSTER…
The New York Giants have signed safety Cooper Taylor to the 53-man roster from the team’s Practice Squad. The Giants had one remaining vacancy on the 53-man roster after Tuesday’s roster moves.

This is Taylor’s second stint on the 53-man roster this year. Taylor made the roster in September and was on the active game-day roster for three-of-six games before being waived in October. He was then signed to the Practice Squad in November. Taylor was selected in the 5th round of the 2013 NFL Draft by the Giants. Taylor missed six games in 2013 with shoulder and hamstring injuries. He played in 10 games that year, serving almost exclusively on special teams. Taylor missed the entire 2014 season with a semasoid bone issue in his foot that required surgery.

GIANTS ADD TWO TO THE PRACTICE SQUAD…
The New York Giants have filled two of their four Practice Squad vacancies by signing wide receiver Ben Edwards and center Shane McDermott.

The Giants originally signed Edwards after the 2015 NFL Draft. Edwards was eligible to play in the NFL in 2014, but sat out the year recovering from an ACL knee injury. The Giants waived/injured wide receiver Ben Edwards in July after he pulled his hamstring during the June mini-camp. Edwards lacks ideal size and timed speed, but he is a quick receiver who plays faster than he times. Edwards runs very good routes, adjusts well to the football, and has good hands. He has experience playing in the slot.

McDermott was originally signed by the Dallas Cowboys as an undrafted rookie free agent after the 2015 NFL Draft. The Cowboys cut him in early September. He spent a week on the Practice Squad of the Carolina Panthers in September. McDermott is a blue-collar, overachiever who lacks ideal athleticism and strength.

TOM COUGHLIN HITS AIRWAVES…
Audio from Wednesday’s radio interviews with Head Coach Tom Coughlin are available at:

The audio of QB Eli Manning’s and RB Shane Vereen’s WFAN interviews on Monday and Tuesday are also available at CBS New York’s website.

GIANTS.COM INSIDER WITH KEVIN M. GILBRIDE…
Video of a Giants.com “insider” interview with Tight Ends Coach Kevin M. Gilbride is available at Giants.com.

NOTES…
Wide receiver Hakeem Nicks has caught more passes (306) for more yards (4,538) from quarterback Eli Manning than any other receiver.

Manning has thrown 5,993 passes, and needs seven more attempts to become the 12th player in history with 6,000.

This season is the first time the Giants have lost four times by four or fewer points in their first 10 games since 1995.

According to the Elias Sports Bureau, the Giants are the first team in history to lose two games in a season on field goals of 50-plus yards with less than five seconds remaining in the fourth quarter.

The Giants have three rushing touchdowns, their lowest total through 10 games since 1996, when they had two.

The Giants have just three runs of 20 or more yards, tied for 25th in the NFL, and 22 runs of 10-plus yards, tied for 24th.

ARTICLE…

Nov 172015
 
Eli Manning, Hakeem Nicks, New York Giants (November 17, 2013)

Eli Manning and Hakeem Nicks – © USA TODAY Sports Images

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GIANTS SIGN HAKEEM NICKS, PLACE VICTOR CRUZ ON IR…
The New York Giants have officially placed wide receiver Victor Cruz on season-ending Injured Reserve due to his calf injury that will require surgery. To fill that roster spot, the team has signed wide receiver Hakeem Nicks.

Nicks was originally drafted by the Giants in the 1st round of the 2009 NFL Draft. His two best pro seasons came in 2010 and 2011 when he compiled 155 catches for 2,244 yards and 18 touchdowns in 28 regular-season games. However, after two disappointing seasons in 2012 and 2013 where Nicks’ production fell to 109 passes for 1,588 yards and three touchdowns in 28 regular-season games, Nicks departed in free agency for the Indianapolis Colts. Nicks’ production in Indianapolis was disappointing as he caught 38 passes for 405 yards and four touchdowns. He tried to catch on with the Tennessee Titans in training camp this year but did not make the team.

Nicks’ demise has largely been attributed to injuries. Nicks has never fully completed a 16-game season with the Giants. He suffered from compartment syndrome in 2010. In 2012, he broke his right foot during non-contact OTA drills in May and then injured his knee (PCL) in Week 2 in September. Both injuries required surgery, the foot before the season and the knee after the season.

“This is home,” Nicks said. “You know what they say, ‘Let a dog roam, he’ll find his way home.’ They left the backdoor open for me. I’m happy to be here, happy to be back in the building. I feel great, I feel hungry. I’m ready to get on that field and make some plays.”

Nicks now has to learn a totally new offensive system under Offensive Coordinator Ben McAdoo. “It’s not a bye week for me,” said Nicks. “I’ve got to make sure I’m getting these plays down, so I can be ready to go come game time. It’s just going to take some studying, hard work and determination. I’ve got plenty of that.

“I told myself, ‘Just be patient, man, there’s a lot of football left. I knew I could help a lot of teams. I knew once November, December football came around I was going to be getting a phone call. I wanted it to be from here and it happened like this. I’m just ecstatic and happy that I’m back in the building.

“This is where I really wanted to be. I would have settled and played wherever, but my heart was here. My heart has always been here, ever since I left. That’s why I kept my place here. I feel like I’m just stepping right back into position.

“It can’t get any better, man. I’m looking forward to it, I’m fired up about it. When you do something since you were 10 years old and there comes a time when you’ve got to sit for a while, you’re not used it and that’s something you have to overcome. I think just taking it all into consideration, being back here where I was drafted in 2009, being back home, this is the way it was supposed to be.”

A Giants.com “Insider” video interview is available at Giants.com.

GIANTS CUT JAMES MORRIS AND JULIAN TALLEY…
The New York Giants have waived linebacker James Morris from the 53-man roster. The team also terminated the Practice Squad contract of wide receiver Julian Talley. The Giants now have one opening on the 53-man roster and three on the Practice Squad.

The Giants signed Morris to the Practice Squad in September 2015 and the 53-man roster in October 2015. Morris was originally signed as an undrafted rookie free agent by the New England Patriots after the 2014 NFL Draft.

The Giants signed Talley to the Practice Squad in September 2015, released him, and then re-signed him to the Practice Squad in October 2015. Talley was originally signed as an undrafted rookie free agent by the Giants after the 2012 NFL Draft. Talley spent most of the 2013 and 2014 seasons on the team’s Practice Squad, although he did play in two games each season.

GIANTS-PATRIOTS: SIGHTS AND SOUNDS…
A sights and sounds video from the Giants’ 27-26 loss to the New England Patriots is now available at Giants.com.

ARTICLES…

Sep 302015
 


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INJURY REPORT – VICTOR CRUZ SUFFERS SETBACK…
TE Daniel Fells (ankle), TE Jerome Cunningham (knee), and LT Will Beatty (pectoral – on PUP) did not practice on Wednesday.

WR Victor Cruz (calf), RB Orleans Darkwa (knee), LT Ereck Flowers (ankle), DE Robert Ayers (hamstring), DE Owamagbe Odighizuwa (foot), and DT Markus Kuhn (knee) practiced on a limited basis.

Cruz tried to practice for the first time since August 17, but apparently suffered a setback. “Victor came out and tried to do individuals,” said Head Coach Tom Coughlin. “He felt the calf again and that’s all he did.”

“(Cruz) did some individual stuff, ran a few routes and that was about it,” QB Eli Manning said. “We’ll see how it goes…Hopefully, it’s just minor.”

“It sucks, to say the least,” said WR Rueben Randle. “We could see a little limp in him a little bit once he tried to turn up and run. We could tell that he wasn’t quite ready yet to play full speed. I’m pretty sure if we needed him to play he could play, but he still can sit out a little bit and rest up…We were just running routes in individual, it wasn’t a play. We could just see once he tried to turn up a little bit, he kind of looked a little gimpy, kind of holding back a little bit. I don’t think he’s too far away, but I don’t think he’s quite there yet.

“He wasn’t the Cruz that we know. That’s what we want to see, we don’t want to rush him back and hurt it even more. We were trying to tell him, ‘Don’t try to stress it too much, take as much time as possible,’ because we didn’t want him to hurt it even worse than what it is and have to be out even longer. As his teammates, we care for him and want him to come back as healthy as possible.”

CB Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie (concussion) fully practiced.

PRACTICE SQUAD MOVES…
The Giants have terminated the Practice Squad contracts of WR Julian Talley and OG Vinston Painter. The team also signed QB G.J. Kinne and WR Tavarres King to the Practice Squad.

Kinne was on the Giants Practice Squad for a week earlier this month. Kinne was originally signed as an undrafted rookie free agent by the New York Jets after the 2012 NFL Draft. Since then, he has spent time with the Jets (2012), UFL – Omaha Nighthawks (2012), AFL – Antonio Talons (2013), and Philadelphia Eagles (2013-15). After spending two years on Philadelphia’s Practice Squad in 2013-14, the Eagles converted him from quarterback to wide receiver and running back. Kinne lacks ideal size for a quarterback but he is a very good athlete with a decent arm.

King was originally drafted in the 5th round of the 2013 NFL Draft by the Denver Broncos. He has spent time with the Broncos (2013), Panthers (2013-14), Jaguars (2014), and Buccaneers (2014-15). King was waived by the Buccaneers in early September. King lacks ideal size, but he is a fast receiver who can get deep. He is not a physical player and is best suited as an outside receiver.

WORKOUT TUESDAY…
As normal, the New York Giants held workouts for a number of unsigned players on Tuesday. But this week, there were a number of high-profile players in attendance including WR Hakeem Nicks, WR Wes Welker, and TE Chris Cooley. The only workout player signed was WR Tavarres King.

HEAD COACH TOM COUGHLIN…
The transcript of Tom Coughlin’s press conference on Wednesday is available in The Corner Forum while the video is available at Giants.com.

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

The audio of radio interviews on Tuesday are also available at ESPN Radio and WFAN Radio:

ARTICLES

WHAT’S UP NEXT…
The Giants practice on Thursday and hold physical recovery cycles on Friday in advance of Sunday’s away game against the Buffalo Bills.

Apr 272014
 
Rashad Jennings, Oakland Raiders (November 28, 2013)

Rashad Jennings – © USA TODAY Sports Images

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Q&A With Running Back Rashad Jennings: Serby’s Sunday Q&A with… Rashad Jennings by Steve Serby of The New York Post

Article on Wide Receiver Rueben Randle: Victor Cruz wants Giants to draft WR; what does it mean for Rueben Randle? by Jordan Raanan of NJ.com

Articles on New York Giants Defensive Ends:

Article on Linebacker Jon Beason: Giants linebacker Jon Beason doesn’t want to be an agent after playing days by Conor Orr of The Star-Ledger

Article on Former Giants RB Ahmad Bradshaw and WR Hakeem Nicks: Bradshaw sympathizes with Nicks by Dan Graziano of ESPN.com

Mar 262014
 
Tom Coughlin, New York Giants (August 29, 2013)

Tom Coughlin – © USA TODAY Sports Images

Tom Coughlin at the NFL Owners Meeting: New York Giants Head Coach Tom Coughlin addressed the media at the NFL Owners Meeting in Orlando, Florida on Wednesday morning. Some tidbits from Coughlin:

  • On installing the offense under new Offensive Coordinator Ben McAdoo: “We’re moving. We’re better than halfway through the completion of where we want it to be. I’ll say this and the word goes forth to our players. It’s obvious. This is a whole new undertaking from an offensive standpoint because you will have some of the old and a tremendous amount of the new. I think it’s stimulating. I think it’s good for everybody. Hopefully it’s going to provide a little fire for everybody. I know it will for Eli (Manning). I know he’ll be excited about this…In the beginning, there is a lot to learn. There is a lot of be able to comprehend. I don’t care how you do it. It’s apples and oranges. It’s Chinese vs. another language. But you have to get to where you’re communicating with each other. In order to do that, he’s really going to have to focus. Now, with his intelligence, it’s not going to be real difficult.”
  • On offensive goals: “Offensively we have to get back to Giants football. When I say that, I mean (Geoff) Schwartz and (John) Jerry, big human beings in the NFC East. We weren’t very big up front last year. It’s further to run around those big guys. We’re going to have balance…Everyone wants to know what the difference is going to be? Whatever we do is going to be designed around our personnel. I mean, we have the Encyclopedia Brittanica between the systems that you are familiar with and the system that you are soon going to be familiar with. You can put your finger on anything you want.”
  • On QB Ryan Nassib: “I think he’s going to be a good player. This is going to be an important year for him and for the Giants.”
  • On RB Rashad Jennings: “He’s a great athlete and in tremendous shape. He’s a solid 230 (pounds). The more you look, the better you like. I think he’s a good football player who will be a very solid, solid, impactful guy in our offense.”
  • On RB David Wilson, who is recovering from career-threatening neck surgery:  “I’m planning that he’s there. Until they tell me differently, he’s there. Now, to what extent is he there? Does his presence mean that you have to have another number going into camp at that spot? All of those things are possible…He’s making outstanding progress. Whenever I see him I tell David, ‘Slow down now, stay with whatever they are telling you that you can or can’t do.’ He’s been working on his legs for a month or more…Let’s get him back, let’s see. I wouldn’t rush him into anything.”
  • On Rueben Randle: “Rueben has to continue to develop, be a better pro…We have very high expectations for him. He’s got to continue to be a better pro and show consistency.”
  • On WR Mario Manningham:  “Mario is really excited to be a Giant again. He can hardly contain himself. He’s physically and mentally matured.”
  • On the tight end position: “Right now, it’s a question mark.”
  • On OT John Jerry, who was implicated in the Jonathan Martin bullying scandal: “I think he was authentic in terms of his presentation and (General Manager) Jerry (Reese) really did believe everything that he said. The investigation took place, calls were made to the league office…There was remorse, sincere remorse, and we still feel very strongly about our locker room and the players that are there for us. I don’t see anything of that nature happening with us…There is no suspension in the air or anything of that nature.”
  • On CB Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie: “We have a young man who really wants to be coached. We studied and we saw some areas that we can really help him in and we were very specific about how that would happen and he was very receptive to it. Our coaches worked their tails off on him, spent a lot of time. A lot of time…It seemed as if he was going to continue to visit (teams) until he found what he wanted. When he came to see us, we knew we would have our chance…He was looking for a place to sink his roots and become a guy who represented a team and stayed there and worked his way through things and wanted to be a part of something other than a one-year-here, one-year-there kind of thing. He responded to that. He jumped on that. He wanted to be a guy who is associated with a team.”
  • On DE Justin Tuck, who signed with the Oakland Raiders: “We’re going to miss Justin Tuck, period. The body of work last year was very solid. He’s an outstanding young man…Justin has had two outstanding Super Bowls and playoff runs and played very, very well even as a young man playing with Osi (Umenyiora) and (Michael) Strahan, what he learned and how he performed, so, there’s no doubt…You always hold out hope that nobody goes, you don’t want to see anybody leave. But it’s part of our game. When Justin, as an outstanding defensive end who had numbers to back it up in terms of the way he played, I’m not surprised by it…It was always realistic (to keep him). It was realistic for sure, but it didn’t work. There are 31 other teams. The Raiders have a tremendous amount of money to spend.”’
  • On WR Hakeem Nicks, who signed with the Indianapolis Colts: “I don’t know if it went awry. The entire process of production continued to be not what it was a couple of years ago…I want everybody to know we wish Hakeem nothing but success, to return to the player that we really do believe and know that he is with consistency. Maybe this is something that had to take place for Hakeem. Maybe he will deal with exactly where he is and once again return to the quality of player that he is. I wish him nothing but the best.”
  • On continuing to coach: “What else am I going to do?..I feel good, I’m healthy, (my wife) Judy is really good towards it, the family is positive and supporting. As long as I feel good, productive, energetic, and of course the players respond, I’d like to think I can keep going…I’d like to think that the seasons are all good and at some point in time the decision (when to retire) becomes mine and not somebody else’s. It’s not the paramount thought. Being the best we can be is what I’m all about … I want to coach and I want to get it right and I want to see us start to play like I think we’re capable of.”

Article on the New York Giants and 2014 Free Agency and Draft: Giants’ signings give Reese free reign in draft by Paul Schwartz of The New York Post

Article on the New Free Agent Giants: Coaches dish on ex-players signed by the Giants as free agents by Jordan Raanan of NJ.com

Mar 152014
 
Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie, Denver Broncos (September 15, 2013)

Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie – © USA TODAY Sports Images

Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie to Visit New York Giants: According to The Star-Ledger, unrestricted free agent cornerback Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie (Denver Broncos) visited the New York Jets on Saturday but left without a contract. Rodgers-Cromartie will now visit the New York Giants on Sunday.

No Interest in Jim Cordle?: NJ.com is reporting that UFA Jim Cordle (New York Giants) is not expected to re-sign with the team.

Hakeem Nicks Says the Giants Did Not Make an Offer During Free Agency: Wide receiver Hakeem Nicks, who signed with the Indianapolis Colts on Friday, said on Saturday: “(The Giants) actually didn’t (make an offer in free agency), but we had already talked prior to that. Still, good relationships there. I’ve got much love for the Giants organization.”

 

Mar 142014
 
Hakeem Nicks, New York Giants (December 8, 2013)

Hakeem Nicks – © USA TODAY Sports Images

Hakeem Nicks Signs with Indianapolis Colts: Unrestricted free agent wide receiver Hakeem Nicks (New York Giants) has signed with the Indianapolis Colts. The deal is reportedly a 1-year, $3.5 million contract plus another $2 million in incentives.

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

Jameel McClain Signing Official: The New York Giants officially confirmed that they have signed unrestricted free agent linebacker Jameel McClain. The deal is reportedly a 2-year, $4.1 million contract and includes a $600,000 signing bonus.

McClain was released by the Baltimore Ravens in late February.

“It was a mixture of surprise and disappointment,” McClain said. “You learn with more time in this league that it’s a business and sometimes they make business decisions that most people don’t understand. It just was one of those things that was like, ‘Dust yourself off and try again.’”

“(Signing with the Giants is) an opportunity,” McClain said. “I believe in opportunity and I believe that everything happens for a reason. Now I get a chance to re-create myself. I get a chance to re-create my own identity without being placed with any label. No disrespect to anything that I’ve been through or anybody anywhere else, but when you get into this position you have to choose the best for your family, the best for your career, the best for your longevity. This was one of those circumstances for me where I could come here and create myself and compete and be the player that I want to be or the player that I can be.

“I love this organization. I love the tradition here. The players are amazing. I had the opportunity to talk to a few. Being close to home is very important. I’m a family man, I have a lot of nieces and nephews that I need to be next to. It’s a great opportunity for me, in all honesty.

“I’ve got a chip on my shoulder the size of a golden nugget. I’m all the way there. Every time that I get a little itch, God always slaps me in the back of the head and says, ‘Jameel, you’ve got a long way to go.’ I signed a little deal and then after that I got hurt, that was God slapping me on the back on the head. Once I came back from that injury then I get cut, so that’s God slapping me on the back of the head again, just saying, ‘Your job is to be the underdog.’ For the world to see that the underdog can make it possible, that’s my destination, that’s going to be my journey. I know it and I accept it.”

McClain will now have to adjust from the 3-4 defense to the 4-3.

“I really think people do make too much of it,” said McClain. “Football is football. Maybe it’s not so much for me because I believe I’m so versatile a player. I’ve played every position. None of that really scares me at all. It all just seems so familiar.”

McClain missed the Ravens’ post-season Super Bowl run in 2012 because he was on Injured Reserve with a spinal cord contusion.

“I missed that, so I really don’t have a ring,” said McClain. “I feel I have a chance to win one with his organization. Winning is everything. If you’re in this game, you should only be playing to win and to compete. Without that, what are we left with? A bunch of numbers on the board? It really doesn’t mean anything. I play this game to win, I play this game for respect and this organization does that at the highest level. I’m happy to be a part of it.”

A video interview with Jameel McClain is available at Giants.com.

Shelley Smith Signs with Dolphins: Unrestricted free agent offensive guard Shelley Smith (St. Louis Rams) has signed a 2-year, $5.5 million deal with the Miami Dolphins. Smith visited the Giants on Wednesday.

Giants.com Interview with S Stevie Brown: A video of a Giants.com interview with safety Stevie Brown is available at Giants.com.

Mar 102014
 
Arthur Jones, Baltimore Ravens (September 22, 2013)

Arthur Jones – © USA TODAY Sports Images

March 10, 2014 New York Giants Free Agent News and Rumors: Here is the latest on the free agent front for the New York Giants:

  • The NFL Network is reporting that the Giants have offered contracts to unrestricted free agents defensive end/tackle Arthur Jones (Baltimore Ravens) and safety Ryan Mundy (New York Giants).
  • The Star-Ledger is reporting that the Giants are one of seven teams to express interest in unrestricted free agent tight end Andrew Quarless (Green Bay Packers).
  • The New York Daily News is reporting that the Giants have expressed interest in unrestricted free agent tight ends Brandon Pettigrew (Detroit Lions) and Ed Dickson (Baltimore Ravens).
  • The New York Daily News is reporting that the Giants have expressed interest in unrestricted free agent centers Evan Dietrich-Smith (Green Bay Packers) and Brian de la Puente (New Orleans Saints). The paper says the interest in Dietrich-Smith is “serious.”
  • The New York Daily News is reporting that unrestricted free agent linebacker Jon Beason (New York Giants) is likely to test the free agent market on Tuesday rather than re-sign with the Giants before then.
  • Newsday is reporting that no deal is imminent between the Giants and unrestricted free agent safety Stevie Brown, who is expected now to test the open market.
  • According to press reports, unrestricted free agent cornerback Alterraun Verner (Tennessee Titans) appears to have already determine what team he will sign with on Tuesday as he has no visits planned. The Giants are known to be one of the teams who have expressed an interest in his services. However, NJ.com is reporting that Verner’s asking price has gotten too high for the Giants.

NFL teams have been allowed to talk contract with the agents of unrestricted free agents since Saturday. These players can officially sign contracts with new teams starting at 4:00PM ET on Tuesday.

New York Giants Close to Re-Signing Josh Brown and Trumaine McBride: The Star-Ledger is reporting that the Giants are close to re-signing unrestricted free agent place kicker Josh Brown (New York Giants).

The Bergen Record is reporting that the Giants are close to a new 2-year deal with unrestricted free agent cornerback Trumaine McBride (New York Giants).

Details on Contract for Mark Herzlich: According to NFL Players Association records, linebacker Mark Herzlich’s contract is a 1-year deal with a $775,000 base salary. The Daily News is reporting that the contract also includes a $225,000 in roster and workout bonuses.

Article on the New York Giants Offensive Line: Giants offensive line tidbits by Dan Graziano of ESPN.com

Article on WR Hakeem Nicks: Big Blue Morning: Nicks’ sales pitch by Dan Graziano of ESPN.com

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

  • Fullback Henry Hynoski (Video)
  • Long Snapper Zak DeOssie (Video)
Mar 092014
 
Alterraun Verner, Tennessee Titans (September 15, 2013)

Alterraun Verner – © USA TODAY Sports Images

NJ.com – New York Giants Interested in Signing Top Cornerback: According to NJ.com, multiple sources say the New York Giants are seriously interested in signing a top-tier cornerback in free agency to pair with CB Prince Amukamara. Per previous reports, the Giants pursued CB Sam Shields, who re-signed with the Green Bay Packers, and are still pursuing CB Alterraun Verner (Tennessee Titans).

New York Daily News – New York Giants Not Pursuing Top Offensive Linemen: According to The New York Daily News, “several agents for some of the top offensive linemen on the market were privately wondering why they hadn’t heard from the Giants.” The Daily News is reporting that prices for offensive linemen are more expensive than anticipated and the talent is not overly impressive. The paper speculates that the Giants may be waiting to pick up linemen in the second-tier free agent market or focus on the offensive line-rich 2014 NFL Draft.

NJ.com -New York Giants Still Interested in Jameel McClain: According to NJ.com, the New York Giants are still interested in unrestricted free agent linebacker Jameel McClain, who was cut by the Baltimore Ravens last month in a salary cap-related move. McClain visited the Giants last Thursday and has also drawn interest from the Buffalo Bills and Minnesota Vikings.

Hakeem Nicks Talks About Possible Free Agent Destinations: Unrestricted free agent wide receiver Hakeem Nicks (New York Giants) told ESPN on Sunday that he is still thinking primarily of signing a long-term contract. He also mentioned some of the teams that he is interested in possibly signing with:

Ideally this is what I want: I want to go to a team where I’m the missing link. There are a number of teams that I have my eye on once I hit the market. I know if I went to a place like Indianapolis I would be dangerous with a quarterback like Andrew Luck. I can see myself catching passes from Cam Newton or even Philip Rivers. Players have already started to reach out to me from other teams saying they would love for me to come join them. I just want to make it clear that I want a long-term deal and I want to be happy. I’m excited about talking to teams and making it work.

Newsday – Chris Snee Pay Cut Will Happen, But Not Soon: Newsday is reporting that the New York Giants and right guard Chris Snee will agree to a salary restructure/pay cut this offseason. But since the Giants do not need immediate salary cap relief, the new contract will probably be signed later in the offseason. Snee is set to make $6.75 million in salary in 2014 (the final year of his contract) and will count $11.75 million against the team’s 2014 salary cap unless the Giants and Snee agree to a pay cut.

Mar 082014
 
Eli Manning and Hakeem Nicks, New York Giants (September 15, 2013)

Eli Manning and Hakeem Nicks – © USA TODAY Sports Images

New York Giants Interested in DE/DT Arthur Jones and CB Alterraun Verner: According to The Tennessean, the New York Giants are one of several teams interested in unrestricted free agent cornerback Alterraun Verner (Tennessee Titans). The other teams are supposedly the Detroit Lions, Pittsburgh Steelers, St. Louis Rams, Minnesota Vikings, and New York Jets.

Meanwhile, The Ravens Insider is reporting that the Giants are interested in unrestricted free agent defensive end/tackle Arthur Jones (Baltimore Ravens). The Tennessee Titans and Washington Redskins are also said to be interested in Jones.

The New York Daily News is reporting that the Giants were also interested in unrestricted free agent cornerback Sam Shields (Green Bay Packers), but the Packers re-signed Shields on Saturday (4-year, $39 million deal).

Hakeem Nicks Trying to Convince Teams He is Healthy, “Receptive” to Returning to Giants: According to ESPN, unrestricted free agent WR Hakeem Nicks (New York Giants) and his agent have circulated medical assurances to NFL teams “from two of the nation’s leading specialists that past foot and knee injuries should not inhibit the wide receiver’s 2014 season.”

ESPN is also reporting that not only is Nicks “receptive” to returning to the Giants, he is willing to consider 1-year deal with any team with a proven quarterback in order to re-establish his value.

Articles on the New York Giants and 2014 NFL Free Agency:

Article on DE Justin Tuck: Giants free agency: Facing uncertain future, Justin Tuck looks to ‘outdo anything I’ve ever done’ by Conor Orr of The Star-Ledger