If free-agency in the NFL was a poker game, then Giants GM Jerry Reese played his latest hand masterfully.
Over the weekend, the Giants added two defensive tackles and a linebacker to strengthen their defense.
The first signing was Atlanta Falcons linebacker Michael Boley, who signed a five-year deal worth $25 million. The Giants also added Chris Canty from the Dallas Cowboys and Rocky Bernard from the Seattle Seahawks.
Boley, 26, was excellent with Atlanta when used in attacking schemes during the first two years of his career. Last year when the Falcons went with a read and react system however, his numbers decreased dramatically. With the Giants, many see him as a natural fit in their aggressive defense.
The linebacker position has been a question mark with the Giants recently. Danny Clark has filled in nicely but middle linebacker and team captain Antonio Pierce has had difficulty covering receivers and has seen his quickness elude him at times.
Boley is known for his quickness and coverage skills.
The second signing was former Seattle Seahawks defensive tackle Rocky Bernard. Bernard, 29, signed a four-year deal for $16 million with Big Blue and figures to bring a extra punch into an already potent pass rush.
With 29 career sacks in seven seasons with the Seahawks, Bernard has quickness not seen in many linemen weighing over 300 pounds and is excellent in shooting the gaps and creating havoc for opposing quarterbacks.
In 2005, the year Seattle went to the Super Bowl, he had a career-high 8.5 sacks. But last year the Seahawks went 4–12 and that prompted him to start looking.
Bernard said in a press release on Giants.com, “I was looking for a fresh start. Last year was really rough—it was so frustrating. I thought a change of scenery would be good.
“I’m really, really excited to be coming to the Giants. I wanted to go to a team that has had a lot of success and has a really good defense. That’s what the Giants have. It feels good to be part of a great organization. They’re a good football team.”
Well Respected Cowboy
Last but not least, New York signed Dallas Cowboys defensive end Chris Canty to a six-year $42 million contract with $17.25 million guaranteed.
Canty, 26, was used primarily as a 3–4 defensive end with Dallas. At 6’7” 304 lbs., the Giants will most likely move him inside where he figures to become an integral part of the Giants rotation at defensive tackle. He can also line up at defensive end on passing situations.
Canty noted, “I’m excited about getting the opportunity to come here and be a part of this team and this organization.
“I’m so happy. The Giants have a great winning tradition, and I am excited to come here and have a chance to win a championship.”
The Giants are familiar with what they’re getting in Canty. As a Cowboy, he put up his best numbers against New York with 24 tackles and three sacks in eight regular season games and also made an impact in the 2007 NFC Divisional Playoff Game, registering three tackles and a sack.
Giants head coach Tom Coughlin mentioned that Canty’s effectiveness against his team was a reason they signed him, “He has played some outstanding games against us. Our offensive linemen know the quality of the player. He is very talented and serious about his work.”
The Giants headed into the off-season with concerns around the defensive tackle position due to late-season injuries to Fred Robbins and Barry Cofield.
Because both players had off-season surgery, questions loom around the health of both of them heading into the 2009 season. Jerry Reese was eager to beef up the defensive line and keep an already dominant defensive line at the top of the NFL.
By signing Bernard and Canty, he gets a chance to do just that.
With all three signings, the Giants have solidified their defense and can head into April’s NFL draft with a little panic surrounding the linebacker and defensive line positions.
Reese commented, “We had a conviction on who we liked in the free agent market and who could help us get better.
“We let the three players know that, and the feeling was mutual. They want to win, and they wanted to be here. Fortunately, we were able to get the deals done quickly.”
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