New York Giants Mini-Camp – Day 2

 Posted by
Jun 182014
 
Prince Amukamara, New York Giants (June 12, 2014)

Prince Amukamara – © USA TODAY Sports Images

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New York Giants Mini-Camp – Day 2: The second day of the New York Giants mandatory, 3-day mini-camp was held on Wednesday. The final practice is Thursday before the team breaks until summer training camp on July 21.

For more on today’s practice, see:

For more on Tuesday’s practice, see:

Video of practice highlights are also available from Giants.com.

Four Players Try Out for New York Giants: The following four tryout players were at mini-camp on Wednesday:

  • OG Steve Greene (Connecticut)
  • OG John Sullen (ex-Cincinnati Bengals)
  • DT Gilbert Pena (ex-New England Patriots and Green Bay Packers)
  • DT Everett Dawkins (ex-Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Dallas Cowboys, and Minnesota Vikings)

June 18, 2014 New York Giants Injury Report: TE Larry Donnell was taken to the hospital by ambulance after practice due to dehydration . He was scheduled to be discharged from the hospital in the afternoon.

Not practicing on Wednesday were RB Peyton Hillis (undisclosed muscle injury), WR Mario Manningham (knee), RG Chris Snee (hip/elbow), LT Will Beatty (leg), OG John Jerry (knee), LB Jon Beason (foot), and CB Trumaine McBride (hip). RB David Wilson (neck) only participated in individual drills.

“It’s the post-surgical rehab that we knew was going to be the issue,” said Head Coach Tom Coughlin when asked about Manningham. “Hopefully he’ll be okay for camp…There was a serious procedure, so he’s still coming back. He played a little bit and didn’t help himself…I hope he can make a play like the last time he was here.”

“I went and got scoped in January so that’s what I’m rehabbing,” said Manningham. “I’m not worried at all. Rehab is not like I’m just sitting around and not doing anything. That’s my whole point of getting back on the field – rehab, doing something every day, doing something every day and every week to make my knee stronger.”

WR Odell Beckham (hamstring) participated in a limited number of team drills.

“Definitely not top speed right now,” said Beckham. “It’s getting up there, like 85 (percent). You don’t to open up too much. You never know what can happen. Hamstring injuries, it’s one of those things that are very nagging. You don’t want to push it too much.”

June 18, 2014 Tom Coughlin Press Conference: The transcript and video of Head Coach Tom Coughlin’s press conference on Wednesday are available at Giants.com.

June 18, 2014 New York Giants Player Media Q&As: Transcripts and video of Wednesday’s media Q&A sessions with the following players are available at Giants.com:

Article on QB Eli Manning: Eli Manning: Accuracy, tempo vital to Giants new offense by Jordan Raanan of NJ.com

Articles on WR Mario Manningham:

Article on New York Giants Defensive Ends:

Article on the New York Giants Linebackers: How do Giants linebackers share info? by Michael Eisen of Giants.com

Quotes: Head Coach Tom Coughlin on DE Damontre Moore: “He’s made good, steady progress. He’s, naturally, a year later, a year more into it so he’s more comfortable with what’s going on. It’s not one of those things where you don’t notice that he’s out there because he does have a correction here or there. We like what we see. His continued development in the weight room with just some added muscle and strength, a little bit more size is something that will help a lot.”

Will Beatty Won’t Be Ready Until the Fall?

 Posted by
May 292014
 
Will Beatty, New York Giants (November 10, 2013)

Will Beatty – © USA TODAY Sports Images

May 29, 2014 New York Giants Injury Report: Not practicing at Thursday’s Organized Team Activity (OTA) workout were WR Mario Manningham (knee), LT Will Beatty (leg) and OG John Jerry (knee).

When asked about Beatty and Manningham, Head Coach Tom Coughlin responded, “Supposedly they’ll be ready for the fall.”

Coughlin also revealed that Jerry had arthroscopic knee surgery. “He had a knee, he comes out here and the knee swells,” Coughlin said. “We’ll hold him inside. He had a little procedure (debridement of the knee), a scope, so he might not work this spring but he’s here…He may have a day when he’s a little bit sore and we’ll back off the snaps. Today coming after the first one, he didn’t have any issues at all. We just let him do what he can do.”

RB David Wilson (neck) also did not participate in contact drills as he has not yet been cleared for contact. Wilson said he will have another MRI taken on his neck on June 4. “He is in an area where he’s not supposed to have any contact,” said Coughlin. “He’s out there running and feels good. You’d never know that he’s having issues.”

The good news is that QB Eli Manning, who is coming off of arthroscopic surgery on his left ankle, practiced. “He’s so far ahead,” said Coughlin. “When we started out I didn’t think I would have him for anything (in the spring). We’re about two or three days into phase two (of the offseason program) and he’s running around. I’m trying to slow him down but he feels good.”

RG Chris Snee, who is coming off of offseason hip and elbow surgery, practiced. “He looks good,” said Coughlin. “He looks very good.”

S Stevie Brown, who tore the ACL in his left knee last preseason, also practiced. “Stevie’s had a good winter,” said Coughlin. “He’s been in here rehabbing the whole time. He’s gone through both the first and second phases very well. He’s running very well so we’re very happy with that. He does have some… we’re watching him, let’s put it that way. He is what we call limited but he has been able to demonstrate that he has prepared himself well.”

New York Giants Complete Second OTA Practice: The New York Giants held their second of 10 Organized Team Activity (OTA) practices on Thursday. No live contact is allowed in OTA practices, but 7-on-7, 9-on-7, and 11-on-11 drills are permitted.

BigBlueInteractive.com (BBI) was at Thursday’s OTA practice.  See New York Giants OTA Day 2: Quick Hits and Tidbits.

Giants.com also provided the following two summaries: Giants players that stood out at OTA’s and Five things we learned at OTA practice.

New York Giants OTA practices:

  • May 28-30
  • June 2-3
  • June 5
  • June 9-10
  • June 12-13

The offseason program will culminate on June 17-19 with a mandatory, full-team mini-camp.

May 29, 2014 Tom Coughlin Press Conference: The transcript and video of Head Coach Tom Coughlin’s press conference on Thursday are available at Giants.com.

May 29, 2014 New York Giants Player Media Q&As: Transcripts and video of Thursday’s media Q&A sessions with the following players are available at Giants.com:

Giants Offseason Workout Program Begins Monday

 Posted by
Apr 182014
 
John Conner, New York Giants (December 22, 2013)

John Conner – © USA TODAY Sports Images

New York Giants Offseason Workout Program Begins Monday: The New York Giants offseason workout program begins Monday.

Per the Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA), each club’s official, voluntary nine-week offseason program is conducted in three phases:

  1. Phase One (April 21 – May 4):  Consists of the first two weeks of the program with activities limited to strength and conditioning and physical rehabilitation only.
  2. Phase Two (May 5 – May 26):  Consists of the next three weeks of the program. On-field workouts may include individual player instruction and drills as well as team practice conducted on a “separates” basis. No live contact or team offense vs. team defense drills are permitted.
  3. Phase Three (see OTA dates below): Consists of the next four weeks of the program. Teams may conduct a total of 10 days of OTA workouts. No live contact is permitted, but 7-on-7, 9-on-7, and 11-on-11 drills are permitted.

Important dates of note:

  • April 21: Start of the offseason program.
  • May 28-30: Organized Team Activity (OTA) workouts.
  • June 2-3: OTA workouts.
  • June 5: OTA workout.
  • June 9-10: OTA workouts.
  • June 12-13: OTA workouts.
  • June 17-19: Mandatory, full-team mini-camp.

The Giants will not hold a rookie mini-camp this year because the 2014 NFL Draft is three weeks later than usual. For more on the offseason program, see Giants offseason workouts begin Monday by Dan Salomone of Giants.com.

Sidney Rice Re-Signs With Seattle Seahawks: ProFootballTalk had reported earlier this week that the New York Giants were one of several teams to be interested in unrestricted free agent wide receiver Sidney Rice. The Seattle Seahawks released him in February 2014 in a salary cap-related move. However, Rice re-signed with the Seahawks on Wednesday.

Article on QB Ryan Nassib: With Josh Freeman on roster, should Giants look to deal Ryan Nassib? by Conor Orr of The Star-Ledger

Article on WR Mario Manningham: NFL Star Mario Manningham Talks Returning to the Beast Coast by TheSource.com

Article on CB Prince Amukamara: Big Blue Morning: Amukamara’s option by Dan Graziano of ESPN.com

Articles on the New York Giants and the 2014 NFL Draft: Giants pre-draft visits and workouts by Jordan Raanan and Conor Orr for NJ.com

Matt Flynn and Josh Freeman to Visit Giants on Tuesday

 Posted by
Apr 142014
 
Matt Flynn, Green Bay Packers (December 22, 2013)

Matt Flynn – © USA TODAY Sports Images

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Matt Flynn and Josh Freeman to Visit Giants on Tuesday: According to multiple press reports, unrestricted free agent quarterbacks Matt Flynn (Green Bay Packers) and Josh Freeman (Minnesota Vikings) will visit the New York Giants on Tuesday.

As we previously reported, the Giants are most likely looking for a veteran quarterback to help carry the workload during the team’s ten Organized Team Activity (OTA) workouts from May 28 to June 13 as well the mandatory mini-camp on June 17-19. Quarterback Eli Manning may be out of action until the start of summer training camp in late July, recovering from arthroscopic surgery on his left ankle.

Articles on the 2014 New York Giants:

Article on the New York Giants and the 2014 NFL Draft: Giants draft 2014: Analyzing general manager Jerry Reese’s tendencies by Jordan Raanan of NJ.com

Article on the New York Giants and the 2009 NFL Draft: Giants’ last five drafts: 2009 by Dan Graziano of ESPN.com

Article on the New York Giants Offensive Line: How will Giants piece together O-Line? by Dan Salomone of Giants.com

Article on WR Mario Manningham: Manningham returns feeling tested by Kevin Connelly of Vindy.com

Article on DE Robert Ayers: Giants roster 2014: What’s the difference between Justin Tuck and Robert Ayers? by Conor Orr of The Star-Ledger

Article on New York Giants and Post-Football Career Planning: Josh Brown plans early for life after NFL by Michael Eisen of Giants.com

BBI on Giants.com Big Blue Kickoff Live: The audio of Eric Kennedy being interviewed on Giants.com’s Big Blue Kickoff Live podcast on Monday is available at Giants.com. Eric joins the show at the midway point of the broadcast.

Giants Offseason Workout Program Schedule; Tom Coughlin Q&A

 Posted by
Apr 032014
 
Tom Coughlin, New York Giants (March 26, 2014)

Tom Coughlin – © USA TODAY Sports Images

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New York Giants Offseason Workout Program Schedule Set: The dates for the New York Giants offseason program schedule have been announced:

  • April 21: Start of the offseason program.
  • May 28-30: Organized Team Activity (OTA) workouts.
  • June 2-3: OTA workouts.
  • June 5: OTA workout.
  • June 9-10: OTA workouts.
  • June 12-13: OTA workouts.
  • June 17-19: Mandatory, full-team mini-camp.

The Giants will not hold a rookie mini-camp this year because the 2014 NFL Draft is three weeks later than usual.

Per the Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA), each club’s official, voluntary nine-week offseason program is conducted in three phases:

  1. Phase One consists of the first two weeks of the program with activities limited to strength and conditioning and physical rehabilitation only.
  2. Phase Two consists of the next three weeks of the program. On-field workouts may include individual player instruction and drills as well as team practice conducted on a “separates” basis. No live contact or team offense vs. team defense drills are permitted.
  3. Phase Three consists of the next four weeks of the program. Teams may conduct a total of 10 days of OTA workouts. No live contact is permitted, but 7-on-7, 9-on-7, and 11-on-11 drills are permitted.

Giants.com Q&A With Head Coach Tom Coughlin: A lengthy Q&A session with Head Coach Tom Coughlin is available at Giants.com. Some key points of note:

  • Coughlin on assimilating so many new faces: “Absolutely, it is (a challenge). You’ve got a big part of our football team that has not been through our routine, the way we do things, the presentation of our values and our principles, what we believe in, how we work, how we practice, how they are  to come to work. So we have a lot of basic, fundamental teaching to do. It is definitely a year of transition, no doubt.”
  • Coughlin on the impact all these new faces will have on the team’s culture: “The culture’s going to change, too. The culture will change. Now, the principles and the values will not change, but how we go about our business has to change, because we have so many new people that have to be integrated into the system.”
  • Coughlin on what WR Trindon Holliday brings to the return game: “If we can get somebody who gives us a little bit of the spectacular – I mean, when you sit down and talk about this guy’s track speeds, are you serious? He runs 100 meters in 9.98 (seconds) or whatever the heck he ran. It’s fun to think about. Go ahead, outkick the coverage, please do. Not only for kickoff returns, but for punt returns. What it would mean to us to have some field position, a short field all of a sudden, and take care of the football, play good defense, get turnovers for us on that side of the ball, not beat ourselves, how about that one for a theme? That would be a very nice thing.”
  • Coughlin on RB Rashad Jennings: “I think he’s an all-around back. Whatever question I asked when I was looking at the tape got answered. In other words, he went 80 (yards for a touchdown last season for Oakland in a game at Houston). Is he fast enough? He goes 80. Does he catch it out of the backfield? Yes. Does he run the screens well? Yes. How is he from scrimmage as a runner? Good. First and second down, can he play on third down? Yes, he can. What does he need? Well, he’s 230 pounds with a great attitude. He needs a little work on his pass protection, but I think we can get that done. I think he’s an all-purpose guy that fits us very, very well.”
  • Coughlin on RB David Wilson: “All in due time with David. Just pray, you’re praying that he has a return to excellent health and that the doctors are totally convinced that he is recovered and ready to go. When that time comes, you’ll have another contributor who, if he gets a step, he’s gone…I’m counting on him, but I am not going to put him in any circumstance until it’s an absolute that he’s 100 percent. I’m not going to mess with that one.”
  • Coughlin on WR Mario Manningham: “It was exciting and fun to talk to him, because he’s so pleased to be back. He is more mature, physically and otherwise. He wants to be here, he wants to help us win. He’s more appreciative of his first tenure here and he certainly wants to make it even more productive this next time back – even for a guy who will go down in history as having made one of the greatest catches in Super Bowl history.”
  • Coughlin on DE Robert Ayers: “Sure, he can (play strongside). He’s played right, he’s played left, he’s played inside on third down, he’s played in a lot of spots. He’s a powerful player. He’ll be very, very good against the run. I really, quite frankly  don’t think there are any tight ends that will block him. He’s really got exceptional hand position, does a nice job with that, and he can be used in a versatile manner and he has consistent effort. He’s got the hunger and the desire and he’ll make up for a lot with hustle.”
  • Coughlin on the impact of new offensive coordinator Ben McAdoo: “I’ve been in the same system since 1988. We have incorporated whatever we can from our system that we’ve always had here, but there’s a lot of new terminology. There will be lots of new teaching just in terms of the way in which it’s presented, which will force people to study and to learn and to be anxious. When the huddle breaks you’ve got to go do it. They’re going to have to learn it to be able to do it. The plays will become familiar to them once they recognize what the responsibility is. You have to be able to talk it, discuss it and communicate. That’s different.”

Giants.com Interview with DE Robert Ayers: The video of Wednesday’s Giants.com interview with defensive end Robert Ayers is available at Giants.com.

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

Louis Murphy Signs with Tampa Bay Buccaneers

 Posted by
Mar 262014
 
Victor Cruz (80), Louis Murphy, Jr. (18), New York Giants (November 24, 2013)

Victor Cruz and Louis Murphy – © USA TODAY Sports Images

Louis Murphy Signs with Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Unrestricted free agent wide receiver Louis Murphy (New York Giants) has signed a 1-year contract with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

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

Former Giants Offensive Coordinator Kevin Gilbride on ESPN Radio: The audio of Wednesday’s ESPN Radio interview with former New York Giants Offensive Coordinator Kevin Gilbride is available at ESPN.com.

Article on WR/Returner Trindon Holliday: Giants free agents 2014: Is Trindon Holliday more than a return man? by Conor Orr of The Star-Ledger

Article on CB Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie: Giants reveal plans for Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie by Jordan Raanan of NJ.com

Quotes: Head Coach Tom Coughlin on offensive guard Chris Snee: “He’s got the fire, he’s excited, he wants to play, he feels good, he’s worked hard. He is an incredible competitor. He’s a tough, hard-nosed football player who brings a great ingredient to your team and quite frankly we need that…He probably says it best.’Am I the same player I was four or five years ago? Maybe not. But am I good enough to be included in the top guards in the game? Yes.’ I think that’s pretty well-said.”

Coughin on WR Mario Manningham: “As I told him when he was here, if we’re going to be the team that we want to be, he’s got to come back and make a very strong contribution. He’s excited about that chance, that opportunity.”

Tom Coughlin at the NFL Owners Meeting

 Posted by
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

Mario Manningham Signing Official; Terrell Thomas Visits Carolina

 Posted by
Mar 182014
 
Mario Manningham, San Francisco 49ers (August 18, 2012)

Mario Manningham – © USA TODAY Sports Images

Mario Manningham Signing Official: The New York Giants have officially confirmed that they have signed unrestricted free agent wide receiver Mario Manningham (San Francisco 49ers). Manningham reportedly signed a 1-year contract.

Manningham was originally drafted by the Giants in the 3rd round of the 2008 NFL Draft. After four seasons (2008-11) and a Super Bowl ring, he left the Giants in free agency for the 49ers in 2012.

“I’m happy to be back,” Manningham said. “I’m real excited. It’s just great to see everybody, be around familiar faces, knowing everybody in the past and just being comfortable around everybody. Once a Giant, always a Giant. That’s how I feel. This is a very special place. I wanted to come back.”

Manningham tore both the ACL and PCL in his left knee in December 2012. He was activated off of the Physically-Unable-to-Perform (PUP) List in November 2013 and played in six regular-season games for the 49ers, catching only nine passes for 85 yards, before he was placed on Injured Reserve again.

“It was frustrating, but it was a learning experience also,” Manningham said. “When I got back I couldn’t do what I wanted to, I knew I needed a little bit more time. It’s coming along and I just have to work on getting stronger and getting my strength back and trusting it more. I’m doing good; it’s getting stronger.”

“If you’re an athlete, you have a chip on your shoulder already, so you’re like, ‘I’m coming back strong this year,’’ Manningham said. “I do believe it. I had a couple people who tore their ACL a couple times who said, ‘Man, you’re not going to get it back that following year, you’re going to get it back the year after that.’ I’m just trying to do what I can do to make a strong impact and win games.”

“(Eli Manning and I) get back out there and see how it goes,” Manningham said. “We haven’t been together in two years, so you can’t do anything but get better.”

“I wanted to come back,” Manningham said. “I’m comfortable around the staff members. There are some different staff members and different players. I just want to get to know them. We’re all in here for one reason and that’s to win. That’s all that matters. I just want come in and do what I’ve got to do to help us win.”

Terrell Thomas Visits Carolina Panthers: According to FOXSports, unrestricted free agent cornerback Terrell Thomas (New York Giants) is meeting with the Carolina Panthers.

Giants.com Interviews: Videos from Tuesday’s Giants.com interviews with the following players are available at Giants.com:

  • WR/Returner Trindon Holliday (Video)
  • WR Mario Manningham (Video)

Giants Sign Mario Manningham; Trindon Holliday Signing Official

 Posted by
Mar 182014
 
Mario Manningham, San Francisco 49ers (November 25, 2012)

Mario Manningham – © USA TODAY Sports Images

New York Giants Sign Mario Manningham: According to multiple press reports, the New York Giants have signed unrestricted free agent (UFA) wide receiver Mario Manningham (San Francisco 49ers). Manningham was originally drafted by the Giants in the 3rd round of the 2008 NFL Draft and played four seasons (2008-11) with the Giants before spending the past two years with the 49ers.

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

Trindon Holliday Signing Official: The New York Giants have officially confirmed that they have signed unrestricted free agent (UFA) wide receiver/returner Trindon Holliday (Denver Broncos). The contract is reportedly a 1-year, $700,000 deal that includes a $100,000 signing bonus and a $30,000 workout bonus.

“It’s great to get an opportunity to come out and be part of another team,” Holliday said. “I’m signed to do a job and that’s come in and help this team out on special teams as best as possible. I’ll be ready to report. The team’s going in the right direction. The Giants are trying to get back to their winning ways. This offseason has had some good things and I look forward to the rest.”

The 5’5”, 170-pound Holliday is one of the most dynamic kickoff and punt returners in the NFL, having returned three punts and three kickoffs for touchdowns the last two seasons.

“Sometimes, I think my size is an advantage,” Holliday said. “I can field the kicks and hide behind those big linemen when the other guys are coming down. It’s hard for them to see me.”

“(The Giants) told me they expect me to do both (punts and kickoffs),” Holliday said. “I’m going to work my way in and earn the respect from the coaches and the trust that I can get back there and do those things.”

However, Holliday has an issue with ball security, having fumbled 11 times in his career on returns in regular-season games.

“(Tom Coughlin and I) had the discussions already,” Holliday said. “He said him and me were going to get real acquainted with ball security. I don’t have a problem with that. I’ve have had some miscues of handling the ball, but it’s not going to take much for me to fix that.”

Without Pay Cut, Mathias Kiwanunka May Have Been Released:The New York Daily News is reporting that an unidentified source told the paper that if defensive end Mathias Kiwanuka did not accept a pay cut, he would have been have been released. As previously reported, Kiwanuka accepted having his 2014 base salary reduced from $4.375 million to $1.5 million. He also now has a $700,000 roster bonus and could earn another $125,000 in incentives.

More Contract Details on Newly-Signed Cornerbacks: According to RavensInsider, the contract figures on cornerbacks Walter Thurmond and Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie:

  • CB Walter Thurmond: 1-year, $3 million including a $1 million bonus. $1 million of $1.975 million salary guaranteed, up to $500,000 playing-time incentives
  • CB Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie: 5-years, $35 million including $13.98 million guaranteed and $10 million signing bonus. Due $1 million roster bonus on fifth day of 2015 league year.

Louis Murphy Visiting Tampa Bay Buccaneers: According to ProFootballTalk, unrestricted free agent wide receiver Louis Murphy (New York Giants) is visiting the Tampa Bay Buccaneers today.

Mario Manningham to Visit the Giants on Monday; Quintin Demps on Joining the Giants

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Mar 162014
 
Mario Manningham, San Francisco 49ers (November 17, 2013)

Could Mario Manningham Return to the Giants? – © USA TODAY Sports Images

Mario Manningham to Visit New York Giants on Monday: According to ESPN and The New York Post, unrestricted free agent wide receiver Mario Manningham (San Francisco 49ers) will visit the New York Giants on Monday. Manningham was originally drafted by the Giants in the 3rd round of the 2008 NFL Draft. In four regular seasons with the Giants, Manningham caught 160 passes for 2,315 yards and 18 touchdowns. Although 2010 was his best season statistically, Manningham is best remembered for his deep sideline catch on the game-winning drive in Super Bowl XLVI.

Manningham signed with the San Francisco 49ers as an unrestricted free agent in March 2012. He tore the ACL and PCL in his left knee in December 2012. Manningham started 2013 on the Physically-Unable-to-Perform (PUP) List until the 49ers activated him off of the PUP in November 2013. In six regular-season games last year, Manningham only caught nine passes for 85 yards before he was placed on Injured Reserve for the second season in a row.

Quintin Demps on Joining the Giants: Following up on today’s early story where the New York Giants officially confirmed the signing of unrestricted free agent safety/returner Quintin Demps (Kansas City Chiefs), Demps has now spoken about joining his new team.

“The Giants welcomed me with open arms,” Demps said. “I’m 28 years old now, and I’m ready to win a championship. This is a perfect fit for me and I’m excited about it.”

Demps averaged over 30 yards per kickoff return in 2013.

“I’m a fan of the game and I’m pretty sure we all know they could use some help in that area,” Demps said. “That’s kind of why they signed me. I’m here to do my part, play my role and hopefully help them win a championship.”

Demps was asked about joining the Giants’ secondary. “I’ve watched them and it’s definitely a strong group,” Demps said. “I’m looking forward to growing and working with those guys.”

Demps said 2013 was his best NFL season thus far in his six-year career. “Without a shadow of a doubt,” Demps said. “It was the first year since my year playing all 16 games, and the scheme the Chiefs ran fit my strengths. I just think I had a good year and I’m ready to capitalize on that. My confidence is back up. I think I’m hitting my stride. I’m excited and I think the best is yet to come for me.”

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