Giants Interested in Shane Vereen and Other Free Agent News

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

Shane Vereen – © USA TODAY Sports Images

[contentblock id=1 img=html.png]

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.

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

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

Jerry Hughes – © USA TODAY Sports Images

[contentblock id=1 img=html.png]

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.