Mar 27 Good or lousy, the Giants are compelling. That appears to be the feeling of TV network types, as Tom Coughlin's team will open the season Sunday night, Sept. 9, at Texas Stadium, squaring off with the NFC East rival Cowboys in a nationally-televised game on NBC. It's the second consecutive year for the Giants to be featured in this spot. They lost last season's opener to the Colts in the much-hyped Manning Bowl. Interestingly enough, this game in Dallas is the first regular-season game for newly-retired Tiki Barber, who will make his debut on NBC's "Football Night in America." Wonder if he'll get an exclusive interview with Coughlin, his favorite former coach? The Jets learned they'll play on Thanksgiving Day, visiting the Cowboys for a 4:15 kickoff on CBS.
With their opener set for Texas Stadium, the Giants now know how they will spend three of their 17 weekends this fall. The NFL previously announced the Giants would play Miami on Oct. 28 in London, and would have their bye the following weekend. They also know they will play at home the week before the London trip.
The Giants-Cowboys game will mark the regular season debut of new Dallas head coach Wade Phillips. He replaced former Giants coach Bill Parcells, who announced his retirement soon after the conclusion of the 2006 season. The Giants and Cowboys were the NFC's two wild card playoff teams in 2006. Dallas was 9-7 and lost in the first postseason round at Seattle. The Giants were 8-8 and fell to the Eagles in Philadelphia, 23-20. The two franchises are tied for the most playoff appearances in league history with 28 apiece.

Yesterday -- 24 days into the free-agent period -- the Giants added their first player. But they also lost one. The addition was linebacker Kawika Mitchell, a starter with the Chiefs for the first four years of his career. Mitchell, 27, agreed to terms on a one-year contract worth $1 million, according to someone familiar with the contract who requested anonymity because the financial terms of the deal were not to be publicly discussed. The Giants are expected to announce the signing today. That was the good news for the Giants yesterday. The bad news came in the afternoon, when the Texans matched the offer the Giants had made to restricted free-agent fullback Vonta Leach.
Mitchell, 27, has spent his four-year NFL career with the Chiefs as a middle linebacker but would switch to the strong or weak side with the Giants. He was scheduled to be at Giants Stadium today to meet with the coaches and take a physical. Mitchell missed only five games in four seasons and none in the last two, when he had 101 and 102 tackles. He is steady but not flashy, which might mean he'd make a better strong-side linebacker for the Giants. He did not draw much interest the last three weeks, and the Chiefs signed former Vikings middle linebacker Napoleon Harris to replace Mitchell shortly after free agency began. The deal would be very straightforward: a $250,000 signing bonus and $750,000 salary.
Mitchell has both youth and health on his side. That's exactly what the Giants were looking for in free agency. At 27, he's three years younger than last week's object of trade desire, Denver's Al Wilson. And unlike Wilson, whose failed physical because of a neck problem torpedoed those talks, Mitchell is a durable specimen. He has missed just one start in the last three years, and has started all 16 games the past two seasons. What the coaches do with Mitchell remains to be seen. He played a solid middle linebacker for the Chiefs, making 104 tackles and 1 1/2 sacks. But the Chiefs upgraded this year to Minnesota's Napoleon Harris. Mitchell could wind up starting on the strong side, while Gerris Wilkinson gets a shot at weak-side linebacker.

Perhaps the lasting impression many fans will have of Jeremy Shockey is the sight of the 6-5, 250-pound tight end lowering his head into a group of Eagles defenders despite having lost his helmet. The play, coming in the Giants' 23-20 NFC Wild Card loss to Philadelphia, is indicative of the type of unrelenting, leave-it-all on the field type of determination that Shockey exhibits every Sunday.

At the NFL Competition Committee's annual meeting in Naples, Florida a couple of weeks ago, a proposal to increase game-day rosters from 45 to 47 players was defeated, 7-1. The lone dissenter was John Mara, the Giants' President and Chief Executive Officer. Well, you can't win them all, as Mara has learned as both a team owner and a member of the many league committees. But that doesn't diminish his enjoyment in serving. Mara is in his seventh season on the influential Competition Committee and though it is a time-consuming endeavor, it is one he thoroughly enjoys.

NFL News
Roger Goodell inherited an image-conscious league overrun by off-the-field player misconduct. The bad behavior and the NFL's humiliation has only intensified in the nearly seven months since he became NFL commissioner. Now the pressure is on Goodell to clean it up.
NFL Players Association executive director Gene Upshaw has expressed his support of a tougher disciplinary policy. Goodell listed educational programs as a key step, and wants players to become more familiar with local laws.

Mar 25 The Giants still desperately need at least one outside linebacker now that their proposed trade for Denver linebacker Al Wilson is all but dead. But they're also searching for help at receiver, too. That's why they reportedly will be interviewing USC's Dwayne Jarrett, arguably one of the top four receivers in the NFL draft, sometime in the next few weeks. The 6-4, 219-pounder still could be available when the Giants pick 20th in the first round on April 28. With Amani Toomer turning 33 next season and trying to come back from a torn ACL, the Giants need youth at the position. They traded receiver Tim Carter to Cleveland in February for running back Reuben Droughns. They also made a failed run at free-agent receiver Kevin Curtis.

Should there be a 15-yard pass interference option for officials? Should teams be allowed to dress 47 instead of 45 players? Should another 25 minutes be devoted to scuffing up the "K-balls" before a game? All that will be discussed at the NFL owners' annual meeting this week in Phoenix. Yet Roger Goodell's first session as commissioner won't be remembered for any of the above. The signature event will come Tuesday when Goodell addresses what many feel is the biggest problem facing an otherwise healthy industry: personal conduct.
NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell early next week is expected to launch a personal conduct policy with teeth in it. The vast majority of NFL players are good citizens and responsible family men, but the rotten apples are making the entire league look bad. Fortunately, the players' union appears solidly behind Goodell's efforts to improve the league's image by punishing the relatively few miscreants.

Peyton Manning was the star of the show yet again last night. The Super Bowl MVP celebrated his 31st birthday by hosting "Saturday Night Live," and was joined onstage as the show signed off by brothers Eli and Cooper toting a birthday cake, while the cast and crew belted out "Happy Birthday." Peyton spared little brother Eli, the Giants' QB, last night, using the moment to poke a little fun at his mother instead.

Mar 24 Yes, the Giants made inquiries about trading for Broncos linebacker Al Wilson, a five-time Pro Bowler. No, Wilson won't be coming to the Giants. A Giants official yesterday said there will not be a deal. Something was certainly brewing, though, as the Giants were prompted to bring Wilson to Giants Stadium for a physical examination. That wrecked the trade scenario. According to reports, Wilson did not pass the exam, as the Giants medical staff did not like what it saw from a neck injury Wilson experienced last season.
"It doesn't look like there is going to be a deal," a Giants source said Friday after rampant speculation the team was about to obtain the five-time Pro Bowl linebacker. Word of the proposed deal leaked Thursday night, and when the nine-year veteran flew in to take his physical, it appeared the negotiations were moving ahead. The Giants would not comment on the deal's demise, but word was a neck problem prevented Wilson from passing their physical.
By midafternoon, the deal was off, according to someone familiar with the talks. The person, who requested anonymity because all parties involved agreed not to comment publicly, said there was no chance talks between the teams regarding Wilson, who turns 30 in June, would be revived. Late last season, the five-time Pro Bowl selection suffered a neck injury against the Seahawks and had to be carted off the field after laying motionless on the ground for several minutes. Wilson, who has also been nagged by a thumb injury, played in the next three games but sat out the season finale. It's unlikely compensation was an issue. If it was, the talks probably wouldn't have gotten far enough for Wilson to make a visit and undergo a physical.

New Giants general manager Jerry Reese has made a commitment to making his team younger and healthier, a trend that began with his cutting veterans Luke Petitgout, Carlos Emmons and LaVar Arrington. Emmons and Arrington, along with Barrett Green, represent three failed attempts at shoring up the linebacking corps via free agency in the past few seasons. Green was never healthy and was cut before last season. Emmons missed 11 games in the last two seasons. Arrington, who passed his physical in May despite coming off two knee surgeries, lasted only six games before he suffered a torn Achilles. So it's likely that Reese and the Giants were wary of Wilson - who is due $5.2 million this season - even before bringing him in for a physical.
Even if the Giants did fail Wilson on his examination doesn't mean another team wouldn't pass him. Different clubs have different thresholds for what's acceptable based on medical findings. Wilson, 29, has had issues with his neck dating to the 2003 season when, despite tests revealing no structural damage, the linebacker talked about an "unbearable" ache and not feeling comfortable going out on the field and making full contact with his head. He stressed that ailment wasn't to be confused with stingers, which he also has had. But Wilson was also deemed healthy enough to merit a $11.5 million signing bonus from the Broncos a few months later as he approached free agency. And the middle linebacker went on to post triple-digit tackle figures in two of the next three seasons.
Talk about a strange day. First, the Giants cut off trade talks with Denver after much-desired middle linebacker Al Wilson came to Giants Stadium for a physical with team physicians. Only a few hours later, the Houston Texans sent out a press release announcing they had matched the four-year, $8 million offer sheet the Giants gave bruising fullback Vonta Leach. Then the Texans retracted the press release. Not that Leach will be coming eastward any time soon, however. A Texans spokesman said it's very likely Houston will match the offer by the Monday deadline. It simply hadn't happened as of last night, though.

Mar 23 The Giants are engaged in trade talks with the Denver Broncos for Pro Bowl middle linebacker Al Wilson, a team official said last night. The official requested anonymity because the talks are in the "very initial stages." It might seem like an odd acquisition for the Giants, who already have a middle linebacker in Antonio Pierce. But according to two people familiar with the team's plans, the 29-year-old Wilson would move to the weak side if acquired. The people, who requested anonymity because the deal isn't complete, said Pierce, 28, who has four years left on a six-year contract, likely would remain in the middle.
The 30-year-old four-time Pro Bowler started 15 games last season and finished with 102 tackles and five sacks. It is possible a trade could be completed by Monday, although the Lions and Eagles also are believed to be interested. What each side is offering or demanding remained unknown, but Reese said at the NFL Combine that he would be reluctant to give up his first-day draft picks. It's also unlikely a starting defensive end such as Osi Umenyiora or Michael Strahan would be included in such a deal, even though the Broncos are looking for help up front.
The reason Denver has even entertained the idea of trading Wilson is cost. Wilson is scheduled to make $5.2 million in base salary this season and he could earn another $600,000 in workout bonuses. Strapped with all the big moves they have made this off-season -- giving running back Travis Henry $12 million in guaranteed money and tight end Daniel Graham $15 million in guaranteed money -- the Broncos need to shave costs elsewhere. They decided to explore doing it at linebacker, where they would be ready to shuffle their unit.
If, or more approprately, when Wilson is traded it will be a loss much greater than just tackles and sacks. Wilson, like Rod Smith, is a team leader on and off the field. It was obvious to me that Wilson's play digressed last season, even with the Pro Bowl birth, and the injury rap sheet on Wilson, including a scary neck injury in which he was carted off the field on a stretcher, is growing. I also have my own opinion. Wilson was active, yet did not play in the season finale against the 49'ers.
Something tells me Shanny wasn't too happy with Wilson, who declared thumb and back injuries were too much to play through. That, coupled with the piling injury laundry list, may have signaled the end of the Wilson era in Denver. I can't blame the Broncos, Wilson probably has 2 years left as an elite player, and his salary cap number - $5.3 million in 2007 - is growing at the same rate his on field play is declining.

It's a big week for Eli Manning. He's been a daily participant in the Giants' offseason conditioning program, which began Monday; his entire family will be in town this weekend, when older brother Peyton hosts "Saturday Night Live;" and he plans to attend the NCAA East Regional games at Continental Airlines Arena. Oh, we almost forgot...he also got engaged. Eli popped the question and presented a diamond ring Tuesday night to Abby McGrew, his girlfriend who he has been dating for about five years. They met when Manning and McGrew were students at the University of Mississippi. Manning said no wedding date has been set, though it will likely take place following the 2007 season.
Well, if you had Eli Manning on bended knee asking you to marry him, what would you say? The New York Giants quarterback surprised longtime girlfriend Abby McGrew with a sparkling diamond ring and a proposal Tuesday night. After a speechless moment, the lady said "yes." "It was really low-key - it happened at home at a very unexpected moment," says a source. "It was so Eli - casual, no-frills, so in his nature." But that doesn't mean the 6-foot-4 26-year-old wasn't nervous. "He's been planning this for a few months and wanted to make it really special for Abby, because they've been together since college" at the University of Mississippi, says the insider.

The New York Jets and Giants expect to break ground on their Meadowlands football stadium in just six weeks, Jets President Jay Cross said Thursday at a sports business conference in Manhattan. The May 1 groundbreaking is about a month sooner than club executives previously estimated, and Cross said during a panel discussion at the World Congress of Sports that the teams still expect to begin play at the replacement for Giants Stadium in the fall of 2010.
NFL owners are expected to vote next week on a financing proposal that will exceed the league's limits on debt that teams constructing stadiums are allowed to carry. If the measure is rejected, one person with intimate knowledge of the situation said the project could be scuttled. "Yes, there is a chance that the whole deal is in peril if the owners don't vote to give an acceptable waiver on the debt ceiling," the person told Newsday yesterday.
The vote will take place when owners gather in Phoenix for their annual spring meetings Sunday through Wednesday. Another person familiar with the project insisted there is no panic heading into the vote. "The sense is that this is an intelligent way to do the financing, and once it is laid out for the owners, they'll recognize that and approve it," the source said.

Virtually every longtime Giants fan knows what happened in the Metrodome in Minneapolis on Nov. 16, 1986. The Giants trailed, 20-19, and faced with a seemingly impossible fourth-and-17 situation with 1:06 remaining in the fourth quarter. But Phil Simms threw a 21-yard pass to Bobby Johnson on the right sideline and moments later, Raul Allegre kicked a 33-yard field goal to give the Giants an improbable 22-20 victory.
To many, the fourth-and-17 is the defining moment from the Giants' first Super Bowl season. The players happily recall that victory, of course. But to many of them, what stands out from that day is not the catch or the field goal at the end of the game, but a near confrontation at the end of the first half between coach Bill Parcells and the team's left tackle, Brad Benson. Allegre seemingly kicked a 55-yard field goal as time expired in the second quarter. But the score was nullified by Benson's illegal motion penalty. Pushed back five yards, Allegre then missed a 60-yard attempt. That's when Parcells, who had a volcanic temper when provoked, went after Benson. And Benson started heading toward his coach.

Mar 21 As usual when these situations arise with players, Tom Coughlin made a call Monday night to Jim Finn, informing him that the Giants had signed Texans fullback Vonta Leach to an offer sheet. Considering that Finn has been the Giants' starting fullback the past four years, it was information he was extremely interested in learning. Basically, if Leach comes, Finn goes.
"It's part of the process . . . it's a business," Finn said yesterday. "I understand the game. Every year you're going to have to have competition." Finn, 30, has been around long enough to know that when a team writes a contract that guarantees $1.6 million to a fullback, that player is not around merely to provide competition. If Leach comes aboard he comes to the Giants as the starter and Finn's services will no longer be needed.
Now it's no slam-dunk the Houston Texans will allow Vonta Leach to join the Giants, even though the fullback Monday signed a handsome offer sheet, which could be tough to match. Leach contributed to a significantly improved running game when he became the Texans' primary blocker the final month of last season. Is that worth a reported four-year, $7.2 million contract with $1.6 million guaranteed? That's what the Texans must match by Monday.
The 250-pound Leach became the Texans' primary blocker for the final five games after starting fullback Jameel Cook was injured. In those five games Houston -- with Ron Dayne as the primary ball carrier -- averaged 125.2 rushing yards per game. In the previous 11 games the Texans averaged 96.4 yards on the ground. He would fit into the projected power running game featuring tailbacks Brandon Jacobs and Reuben Droughns.

The 2006 season is one that doesn't sit well with Amani Toomer, one of the Giants key offensive cogs forced to watch from the sidelines during the second half of an 8-8 season. The eleven-year Giants veteran was placed on injured reserve on November 8 after suffering a partial tear to the anterior cruciate ligament in his left knee. The Giants proceeded to lose six of their next eight games.
Without Toomer - Manning's most relied upon security blanket - the Giants quarterback's numbers took a dive. Prior to Week Nine, when Toomer was hurt, Manning's overall completion percentage was up to 61.3 percent. But over the next eight games it dropped to 54 percent, along with his quarterback rating - down to 66.5 from 87.5. Toomer says that the disappointment of a once promising 2006 will be at the forefront of his mind while rehabilitating and preparing for 2007, a process that is well under way.

Mar 20 Special Report - The Giants opened their off-season training and conditioning program yesterday, and guess who didn't show? Right, tight end Jeremy Shockey and wide receiver Plaxico Burress, who were asked specifically by head coach Tom Coughlin and quarterback Eli Manning to make every effort to take part in the five-week program so that they could all get on the same page for training camp. Right, deaf ears is the phrase for which you are searching. Shockey, a University of Miami product, has always taken part in that south Florida camaraderie session in which former Hurricane players and others of indeterminate origin do their own workout program.

Unless the Texans think highly of Vonta Leach, the Giants will soon have a new fullback. Leach, a restricted free agent, yesterday signed an offer sheet from the Giants, and the Texans have seven days to match the offer or else lose him. The offer sheet is a four-year, $8 million deal, which is not break-the-bank money but is significant cash for a 25-year-old lead blocker. This does not bode well for veteran Jim Finn, who has served as the Giants fullback the past four years. If Leach comes aboard, Finn is expendable.
The 25-year-old Leach is five years younger than Finn and is considered to be a powerful lead blocker. He played 12 games last season, starting five, as he split time with Jameel Cook, and he clearly impressed the players he was blocking for last season. "He's knocking guys down," Texans running back Wali Lundy said late last season. "Linebackers are scared to take him on."

The beginning of training camp is more than four months away. The regular season doesn't begin for almost six months. But the beginning of the offseason program commences the long process that prepares the players for the rigors of camp and the season beyond. The core of the 2007 team returned to Giants Stadium for the beginning of the offseason conditioning program. In the interim, the roster had changed significantly.
Tiki Barber, the franchise's career rushing leader, retired. Tackle Luke Petitgtout and linebackers LaVar Arrington and Carlos Emmons were released. Wide receiver Tim Carter was traded to the Cleveland Browns for running back Reuben Droughns. Michael Strahan and Amani Toomer are still 1-2 among current players in terms of service to the team. But the departures of Barber and Petitgout have left guard Rich Seubert as the Giants' third-most tenured player. Seubert joined the team in 2001.

A report that the Giants have extended quarterback Eli Manning's contract through the 2012 season is not true, according to the team. The Giants weeks ago triggered a buy-back option that increased Manning's salaries for the last three years of the deal, which terminates after the 2009 season. The final two years of the contract would have been voided if they were not bought back.

Mar 19 Giants fans have complained about the team's unwillingness to spend in the free-agent market, but the Giants have invested heavily in their own players this offseason. They not only re-signed center Shaun O'Hara to a five-year, $19-million deal hours before the free-agency signing period began March 2, but they also spent big money to make sure Eli Manning remains their quarterback for many years to come. Forget about Manning's inconsistency in his first three seasons; he's here to stay. The Giants exercised a "buy-back" of Manning's contract earlier this month, a move that keeps the fourth-year quarterback under contract through the 2012 season, Newsday has learned.
Had the Giants not made the move, Manning would have become a free agent after the 2007 season. The move wasn't cheap. According to league sources familiar with Manning's contract, the Giants gave him a $5-million buy-back bonus as well as a $3-million roster bonus. His base salary for the 2007 season will be $6.45 million. It increases to $8.45 million in 2008 and $8.95 million in 2009.

Mar 17 The Giants raised their ticket prices again for the fifth straight year and sixth time in the last seven years. But don't expect that expansive waiting list for season tickets to be reduced significantly. For at least a couple of local ticket holders, the hike is just the price of doing business. "Those things, they can go up $1,000 and their butts will still be there," White Plains resident Rosemarie DeMarco, 71, said. "Die-hard Giants fans, they've just got to go with the flow." DeMarco's husband, Lou, has held season tickets for more than 40 years, and the family does not plan to part with them because of the $5-$10 price hike the Giants instituted, by location, this year.
Seats in sections 101-108, 114-128, 134-140, 309-313 and 329-333 were bumped up $5 to $80 per game. Mezzanine seats were increased $10 to $95 while seats in sections 109-113 and 129-133 were also increased by $10 to $85. Seats in sections 301-308, 314-328 and 334-340 will remain at their $75 cost from last year. Last season, the average price of a ticket to a Giants home game was $78.78, which was the 10th- most expensive of the league's 32 teams.
All tickets, except for those in the upper deck in the end zones and corners, will be raised either $5 or $10. The prices now range from $75 to $95, with an average of $83.50. That puts them in the top 10 for most expensive tickets in the NFL. It's also nearly double the average of $45.90 it cost to watch the Giants in 2000 - the last time they made a Super Bowl run. The Giants were just 3-5 at Giants Stadium last season and lost their last four games at home. They are 20-21 at home since 2002.
In addition to their NFC East rivals Dallas, Philadelphia and Washington, the Giants -- coming off two straight playoff seasons -- will host Green Bay, Minnesota, San Francisco, New England and the Jets this year.

There are only a handful of teams that have not signed a single free agent from another team, and so far the Giants are one of them. And while they're not likely to get completely shut out in Jerry Reese's first offseason as GM, don't expect to be excited when they finally find someone to sign. After making his big splash with the trade for Reuben Droughns, Reese seems content to scour the market for role players and fill-ins.
The "stars" that were all the market are all gone (and overpaid) and the Giants didn't get involved in the bidding at all. That wasn't the plan. They had hoped to land a few players. They eyed some cornerbacks, safeties, a left tackle and a few running backs, but the market just went crazy. So now they're reduced to wooing the likes of backup guard Matt Lehr and restricted free agent fullback Vonta Leach.

Following an encouraging rookie season in 2005, running back Brandon Jacobs took a huge step forward in 2006. Jacobs saw his numbers rise in practically every category this past season, proving that with increased opportunity he can be a productive full-time back in the NFL. Jacobs showed that he is more than just a goal line threat in 2006. In addition to his 33 first downs, Jacobs rushed for 423 yards (up from 99 in 2005) on 96 carries (up from 38 in 2005). Jacobs had nine touchdowns (up from seven in 2005), and increased his yards per carry from 2.6 in 2005 to 4.4 this past season. The 6-4, 264-pound back also showed his versatility, catching 11 passes for 149 yards in 2006.

Mar 16 The Giants' quiet free-agency period continued yesterday when they lost wide receiver Kevin Curtis to the Eagles. Curtis, who spent his first four NFL seasons with the Rams, agreed to a six-year contract worth a reported $30 million with $9.5 million guaranteed. The Giants had been interested in signing Curtis, 28, for a lower price than what the Eagles will pay him, according to a person familiar with the Giants' attempts to land Curtis. The person requested anonymity because NFL teams rarely publicly discuss contract offers.

New York Giants linebacker Brandon Short was counting his blessings yesterday after getting stuck in the crossfire of Wednesday night's deadly Greenwich Village shootout. The football player was in a Bleecker St. jewelry shop, next door to the leather goods store where police killed the gunman who had just executed two auxiliary cops and a bartender. "I was fearful for my life," said Short, 29. "There were bullets flying everywhere."

Mar 15 The agent for guard Matt Lehr is preparing a counteroffer to the proposal the Giants made to his client two days ago. Bob Lattinville, who represents the six-year veteran, confirmed yesterday the Giants had made an offer that he initially declined. Lattinville said the team called back yesterday to ask what kind of deal Lehr was looking for. Lattinville expects to send a multiyear proposal to the Giants today. Lehr, 27 and 6-2, 304 pounds, began his career with the Cowboys out of Virginia Tech and also played one season with the Rams. He started 26 games for the Falcons in the past two seasons but was suspended four games last year after testing positive for steroid use. Lehr is still scheduled to visit the Dolphins early next week. Meanwhile, fullback Vonta Leach visited the Giants yesterday.

The Green Bay Packers signed their first 2007 free agent Tuesday, former Giants cornerback Frank Walker. He agreed to a one-year deal that reportedly could be worth as much as $1 million with roster, signing and workout bonuses. Walker spent four years with the Giants after being drafted in the sixth round out of Tuskegee in 2003. He played in 41 games with nine starts and five career interceptions.
Agent Harold Lewis said Frank Walker might have been the Giants' best coverage cornerback last season, but Giants coach Tom Coughlin believed Walker was too aggressive. "He's tough," Lewis said. "Sometimes, a little too tough."

Mar 12 Reuben Droughns, the newest Giant, visited his new professional home. He was at Giants Stadium to meet with members of the front office and the coaching staff, and visit the locker, equipment, weight and training rooms. Droughns was acquired Friday in a trade with the Cleveland Browns, who received wide receiver Tim Carter.
In seven NFL seasons with Detroit, Denver and Cleveland, Droughns has rushed for 3,327 yards and 13 touchdowns and caught 116 passes, including six for scores. The 5-11, 220-pounder will team with Brandon Jacobs in the Giants' new-look backfield. During his visit to the stadium, Droughns sat down for an interview with Giants.com.
Q: Were you impressed by Brandon's size when you saw him?
Droughns: (Laughs). "Oh, yeah. He's a big young fella."
When new Giant Reuben Droughns met Brandon Jacobs yesterday, he wasn't sure if he was looking at his competition in the backfield or one of the players who would be chasing after him during practice. That's because, at 6-4 and 265 pounds, Jacobs looks more like a linebacker than a running back. "I thought he was something (else)," a chuckling Droughns joked during a conference call with reporters yesterday. "I had to look up and say hi to him. He's a nice-sized guy."

Reuben Droughns knew he wasn't going to share the backfield with Jamal Lewis after the Browns signed Lewis last Wednesday. After being traded to the Giants two days later, he knows he's now part of a rushing combo, alongside Brandon Jacobs - but as for who's No. 1 and who's No. 2, Droughns isn't ready to concede anything yet. "It's Brandon's job to lose if he loses it and I'm sure Brandon doesn't want to lose it, so it's going to definitely be a good competition in training camp," Droughns said yesterday during a conference call with reporters. "The best man is going to win and we'll respect each other for that. At the same time, we're going to cheer each other on and I know we can complement each other."
The Giants bid adieu to retired franchise rushing leader Tiki Barber and anointed Brandon Jacobs as next in line to inherit Barber's throne. All along, new general manager Jerry Reese maintained that the running game would be a shared role, with Jacobs getting the bulk of the carries and another back in the mix. Based on numbers alone, a case can be made that Droughns should be the starter and Jacobs the complementary back. At 5-11 and 220 pounds, Droughns is a power runner and not the change-of-pace back the Giants envisioned they'd bring in to complement Jacobs.
One could be the No. 1 running back, the other could be No. 2. Or they could wind up 1 and 1A. The roles for Brandon Jacobs and Reuben Droughns probably won't be determined until the end of Giants training camp. The question remains, however, who will be No. 3 -- as in third down? That third-down back could well come from the draft, where players such as Notre Dame's Darius Walker and Florida State's Lorenzo Booker should be available in the third- and fourth-round area. Each has the versatility Tiki Barber demonstrated coming out of Virginia and honed during his 10-year NFL career.

Mar 11 The free-agent market opened March 2 and so far the Giants are sitting it out. Clearly, their current team is not as good as the one that ended the season: Tiki Barber retired; Jay Feely signed with the Dolphins; Luke Petitgout, who missed the final seven games after breaking his leg, was cut along with LaVar Arrington, Chad Morton and Carlos Emmons.
Tom Coughlin, who barely avoided getting fired after the Giants followed a 6-2 start with a 2-6 finish and a wild-card loss in Philly, must win this year to keep his job. He was not Jerry Reese's hire and eventually all general managers want their own coach. Reese, on the job just a couple of months, certainly has his own ideas and timetable for how to build a team. His offseason moves indicate he wants to get the Giants younger and healthier, which won't necessarily result in more victories right away. That won't help Coughlin get another contract extension.

Mar 10 Special Report - Well, part of the mystery has been solved. The Giants will not expect Brandon Jacobs to be backed up by Derrick Ward or James Sims. They acquired seven-year veteran Reuben Droughns yesterday from the Cleveland Browns. In return, they practiced a little addition by subtraction by sending wide receiver Tim Carter to the Browns. Even up, Droughns for Carter. Golly, that Jerry Reese is one smart fella. Now the fans will have to decide whether they want Jacobs or Droughns running with the ball. It is not that much of a decision, honest. Droughns is an experienced veteran who twice has gained more than 1,200 yards in a season, and the immediate plans are for the pair to split the work.

This is the first major transaction for first-year GM Jerry Reese and is contingent on both players passing physicals with their new teams. Droughns turns 29 on Aug. 21 and became expendable in Cleveland after the Browns on Wednesday signed Jamal Lewis. In back-to-back seasons, Droughns gained 1,240 yards for the Broncos in 2004 and 1,232 yards for the Browns in 2005. Last season, he gained 758 yards for the Browns. At 5-foot-11 and 220 pounds, he's a power back and not the change-of-pace runner the Giants wanted to utilize along with bruising Jacobs. "The two teams in the Super Bowl this year had a two-back system, so we're going to complement each other very well," Droughns said on Sirius NFL Radio.
If you listen to Jerry Reese, the Giants found a "complement" to monstrous Brandon Jacobs when they shipped underachieving wide receiver Tim Carter to Cleveland for running back Reuben Droughns in a player-for-player trade. The 5-foot-11, 220-pound Droughns might have bigger ideas, however. He said on Sirius Satellite Radio yesterday that he feels he's replacing Tiki Barber in more ways than just a roster spot. "You idolize a guy like Tiki Barber," Droughns said. "He's been a great role model off the field and on the field. He's definitely going to be some big shoes to fill."
Whether the Giants allow the guy who, in 2005, became Cleveland's first 1,000-yard rusher since Kevin Mack in 1985, to fill those shoes directly will be determined in the future. But if the new Giants GM meant what he said about finding someone to carry the ball 10 times while Jacobs carries the main rushing load, Droughns might be just the guy. The eight-year veteran is a downhill runner, a former Denver fullback who goes between the tackles but tends to wear down at the end of the year.
Before any of you get all nervous about Reuben Droughns' contract (especially the $1.75-million roster bonus he was due later this month), I should tell you that I have been informed the Giants re-worked his contract, according to someone familiar with the conditions of the trade. The person didn't provide specifics, but it's pretty clear he won't be seeing every penny of the roster bonus (if any). Droughns was due salaries of $1.25 million, $1.75 million and $2.75 million, respectively, over the next three seasons. We'll know in a few days if those numbers stand and if the contract has been shortened.

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Tim Carter, 27, has been expendable for nearly as long as he's been a Giant. Drafted in the second round in 2002, he caught only 72 passes in 53 games. Plagued by injuries, Carter was unable to live up to his promise as a speed demon. The Giants acted fast yesterday after Dominic Rhodes, who came in for a visit March 2 - the first day of free agency - signed a two-year deal with the Raiders worth as much as $7.5 million.
Tim Carter brought great speed and athleticism to the Giants, but his production was curtailed largely because of injuries. As a rookie in 2002, he was limited to five games because of a rib injury suffered in training camp and a torn Achilles tendon. The following season, Carter caught a career-high 26 passes despite missing four games with concussions. In 2004, Carter was again limited to five games because of a hip injury suffered at Dallas. A year later, he missed the regular season finale and the NFC Wild Card Game with a hip injury. Carter played in all 16 games with eight starts in 2006. He had season-high totals of four catches against Washington on Oct. 8 and Philadelphia on Dec. 17.
Tim Carter was due $900,000 in base salary this season, but the Giants had given up hope he would ever be a game-breaking receiver. His output -- 72 catches for 967 yards and three touchdowns in five seasons with the Giants -- never matched his speed and potential. Plus, he has been hampered by numerous injuries since being drafted in the second round in 2002. "I think it will be good for him to have a fresh start," said Reese, who has recently rid the roster of injury-plagued players (Luke Petigout, LaVar Arrington).
"We have some young receivers that we are ready to throw in the mix." Such as Anthony Mix -- an undrafted free agent who spent last season on the practice squad? Don't laugh, he's one of only a few healthy options behind Plaxico Burress. Amani Toomer, 32, is rehabilitating a partially torn knee ligament, and rookie Sinorice Moss missed most of his rookie season with a quadriceps injury.

Mar 9 Special Report - THE PLAYERS THE GIANTS NEED ARE BUSY SIGNING WITH OTHERS
Do you think the Giants know it's Unrestricted Free Agent time? I mean, what if the rest of the NFL participated and didn't tell the Giants? Do you think things would be any different? For those who might have been on vacation last week, here is the story so far:
--- The Giants need a left offensive tackle to replace Luke Petitgout and prevent David Diehl from embarrassing himself. The biggest man in the league, Leonard Davis (6-8, 365) was a free agent. He is so big he doesn't even have to play well; just stand him there and make guys go around him. He wasn't actually signed as a rookie, he was trapped. His scalp is in one zip code and his feet are in another. Anyway, Leonard signed a monstrous contract with Dallas the other day. In case you forget, that means he'll get to play against the Giants twice next season, and isn't that nice?
From Vol. 9-83b - Sent: 03-06-07
QUICKLY NOTED -- Over the past three years, the Giants have exercised 18 draft picks.
... Six of them started last season and three were backups.
... Six were out of the league and three were on Injured Reserve or PUP (Physically Unable to Play).
... Whatever happened to the trade with Buffalo for running back Willis McGahee, and is it true that the Giants offered a mere fourth round draft pick and the Bills said they'd think it over?

One week into the signing period, the Giants have yet to take a dip into the free-agent pool. Meanwhile, the running backs they were chasing are starting to get away. Willis McGahee, whom Giants GM Jerry Reese expressed an interest in trading for while at the scouting combine two weeks ago, was dealt by Buffalo to Baltimore yesterday. The price was two third-round draft picks and a seventh-rounder. Reese had said he would not part with a draft pick in Rounds 1-3 - a stance that likely took the Giants out of the bidding. Also, running back Dominic Rhodes, who visited the Giants on the first day of the signing period, was in Tennessee yesterday and is now on his way to Oakland. He also has visited Buffalo. And while his agent has discussed a contract with the Giants, they have never been close to a deal. With McGahee gone and Rhodes seemingly going, there aren't many running back options left.

It was a frustrating 2006 season for Michael Strahan, one of the Giants' leaders and most exciting players on defense. The left defensive end played in only nine games, limited by an injury to the Lis Franc ligament in his right foot. But in the games in which Strahan played, the 14-year veteran made the most of his time, recording 34 tackles and three sacks. Strahan's value to the Giants cannot be diminished, with the team going 2-14 since 2004 in games he has missed. One of the true double threats at his position, Strahan is a force to be reckoned with against the run as well as when rushing the passer.

Mar 8 If the game is close and the Giants next season need a game-winning field goal, chances are Josh Huston will be lining up to attempt the kick? Who? Yes, the Giants appear willing to hand their place-kicking duties over to a 25-year old from Ohio State who has never played in an NFL game. For the past two years, Jay Feely owned the job and connected on 84 percent (58 of 69) of his field goals. The Giants showed little interest in re-signing Feely in free agency and a source yesterday said that Feely has signed a three-year deal with the Dolphins, who will cut veteran Olindo Mare to make room for Feely.
Jay Feely wanted to stay with the Giants, but the Giants decided kicker wasn't a position on which they needed to spend extra money. So they chose not to make a competitive offer and Feely agreed to a three-year, $6-million deal with the Dolphins last night, with roughly $2.5 million guaranteed, according to a person with knowledge of the contract details. Feely, 30, declined comment when reached at his home in Michigan last night. He wrapped a visit with the Dolphins on Tuesday and said the Giants had called his agent to say they would be making a new offer above the one they made two weeks ago, which was not strong enough to keep Feely from testing the free-agent market.
Feely will get a chance to exact revenge on Oct. 28 when his new team faces the Giants in London. In two seasons in East Rutherford, Feely made 58 of 69 field-goal attempts and had 24 touchbacks. But the most memorable part of his stint with the team was a day he would like to forget -- Nov. 27, 2005 when he missed field goals of 40, 45 and 54 yards in an overtime loss in Seattle. Last year, Feely did not attempt a fourth-quarter kick to tie or win the game longer than his 35-yard field goal to force overtime in the Week 2 comeback win over the Eagles. His only attempt longer than 50 yards was a 52-yarder into the wind against the Bears that fell short and was returned by Devin Hester for a 108-yard touchdown.

While contract talks with their own place-kicker Jay Feely appear to have fallen short, the Giants were trying to get Jacksonville's unrestricted free safety Deon Grant in for a visit. Grant, who had two interceptions in 2006 and has 18 in his career since breaking in with the Panthers in 2000, could come at a high price. He has visited the Saints and Seahawks, but has made it known he'd prefer to re-sign with the Jags. The Giants are also thinking about becoming a player in the Dre' Bly sweepstakes. Bly, recently traded from the Lions to the Broncos after a three-interception season, reportedly wants out of Denver, and the Broncos would listen to a trade offer if they can't convince Bly that playing there is a good thing. The Redskins are also highly interested in the cover corner, however, and that would please Bly immensely, since he lives in Virginia.

Professional football offers spectators the opportunity to watch unusually large men perform seemingly impossible feats. So on the rare occasion that a 300-pound defensive lineman gets his hands on the football in the open field, it truly becomes a sight to behold. The sight of defensive tackle Fred Robbins rumbling down the left sideline against the Redskins, ball in hand, is one of those images that Giants fans will certainly savor from a roller coaster 2006 season.
"It's those kinds of plays that you remember," said rookie defensive tackle Barry Cofield, who, along with Robbins, started all 16 of the Giants regular season games in 2006. The play, setting up a 34-yard Jay Feely field goal, was crucial to establishing early momentum in the Giants' favor in their 34-28 win over the Redskins in Week 17.

Mar 7 The Giants' first signing of the free-agency period may end up being a familiar name. Kicker Jay Feely, who was allowed to enter the free-agent market by the Giants on Friday, received what he termed a "competitive" offer from the Giants yesterday, the day Feely wrapped a visit to the Dolphins. Feely was traveling back to his home in Michigan last night after his visit to Miami. He told Newsday that contract talks should heat up today.
It sure appeared the Giants had little interest in pursuing incumbent place-kicker Jay Feely in free agency and were content to hand their job over to untried and untested Josh Huston, a youngster on the roster from Ohio State with no NFL resume. The offer the Giants initially made to Feely was not market value and he headed out into the open market expecting to sign elsewhere. Yesterday, Feely was in Miami meeting with the Dolphins, who seemed ready to sign him and cut ties with veteran Olindo Mare. Perhaps spurred by the interest, the Giants informed Feely they are preparing a more lucrative offer and now there's a chance he'll return for a third season in New York.
Feely hit 23 off 27 field-goal attempts last season, with his long being from 47 yards. The Giants currently have one kicker on the roster -- Josh Huston, who was with the Bears in training camp last summer. The former Ohio State kicker turned 25 last week. In another Giants matter, free-agent wide receiver Kevin Curtis did not visit the team yesterday. Curtis, who fired his agent on Monday, is still expected to visit at some point in the near future, though he might be waiting until Saturday when he is permitted to hire a new agent.
A Giants' official maintained, "Thus far this thing has gone as everybody predicted." Petitgout signed a reported three-year, $15.5 million deal to play left tackle for the Bucs. According to the South Florida Sun-Sentinel, Miami was set to sign Feely and jettison longtime Dolphins kicker Olindo Mare. The Giants, however, reportedly upped their offer to Feely in an attempt to keep him. Curtis, who fired his agent, Tom Condon, late Monday, still may visit the Giants. While he cannot hire another agent until Monday, he can make visits and negotiate his own deals in the meantime.

Visanthe Shiancoe has 35 career receptions in four years, and was so ineffective as a blocker at times that the Giants often used a guard as their second tight end in two tight-end formations. He is coming off a season in which he has 12 catches for 81 yards and he hasn't scored a touchdown since 2004. Late last week he signed a five-year, $18 million contract with Minnesota that included $7 million in guarantees.
Considering that's almost exactly what the Giants paid their starting center, you can probably see why I have no problem with what Giants GM Jerry Reese has done in the first few days of the free-agent signing period. Yes, it does look like he's done virtually nothing. But that's better than tossing around valuable salary cap room at a group of mediocre-or-worse players who don't deserve nearly what they've gotten so far.

Jerry Reese was named the Giants' Senior Vice President and General Manager seven weeks ago. Since then, his working life has been a whirlwind of meetings, scouting and decision-making. In addition to restructuring the Giants' roster - including the release of Luke Petitgout and LaVar Arrington, among others - Reese is still the team's Director of Player Personnel, a role that places him in charge of running the Giants' draft. He attended the NFL Scouting Combine and has studied the veterans who are available in the free agency signing period that began on Friday. Reese sat down last week with Giants.com to discuss his first 1 1/2 months as the G.M.

Mar 6 The Giants' quiet start to free agency took a strange turn yesterday. Early in the day, wide receiver Kevin Curtis was scheduled to visit the Giants as soon as last night after leaving the Lions' facility without a contract. He would have been only the second player to visit the team since the start of free agency. Running back Dominic Rhodes stopped by during the weekend. But late yesterday afternoon Curtis fired his agent, Tom Condon, a member of Condon's agency confirmed. Curtis hired Condon at the start of last season after firing his previous representative, Gary Wichard. Curtis must wait five days before hiring a new agent, per NFLPA rules. Unless he plans to negotiate his own contract, the four-year veteran won't be talking to teams until this weekend. Last night, a Giants spokesman was unsure if Curtis would be making his scheduled stop in East Rutherford.

Kevin Curtis, 28, spent the past four seasons with the Rams, primarily as their slot receiver. He already has made visits to Detroit where his former head coach, Mike Martz, is offensive coordinator, and to Minnesota.Interest in the 5-foot-11, 186-pound wideout does not mean veteran Amani Toomer is having problems recovering from last year's knee injury. Coach Tom Coughlin said at the NFL combine last month that Toomer is ahead of schedule on his rehabilitation.
With Amani Toomer coming off reconstructive knee surgery to repair a partially torn anterior cruciate ligament, the Giants are extremely thin at receiver after Plaxico Burress. Tim Carter last season did not make the most of his opportunities and, while the coaching staff remains high on Sinorice Moss, he endured an injury-riddled, non-productive rookie season. Toomer, 32, says he will be ready for the start of training camp but he's not getting any younger, which is why Curtis makes sense. In four years with the Rams, Curtis - who turns 29 in July - started 11 times in 51 games. Last season, the 5-11, 186-pounder caught 40 passes for 479 yards and four touchdowns.

General manager Jerry Reese has not yet been tempted to dive into the free-agent pool. Big contracts are being tossed around, especially in the NFC East. The Cowboys signed offensive tackle Leonard Davis to a seven-year, $50-million deal. The typically active Redskins added linebacker London Fletcher and are courting former Giant Luke Petitgout, who, coincidentally, dismissed agent Condon after the Giants cut the eight-year veteran. Drew Rosenhaus now represents Petitgout. The Giants also are in the market for a backup tight end, having lost Visanthe Shiancoe to the Vikings. Never a starter, Shiancoe signed a five-year, $18-million deal with $7 million guaranteed, roughly the same deal the Giants gave Shaun O'Hara.

Mar 5 The Giants yesterday went another day without a signing in free agency. At least they are making inquiries into finding a running back. They played host to Dominic Rhodes of the Colts and may try to arrange for a visit by Travis Henry, who was recently cut by the Titans for financial reasons. Henry will first make a trip to see the Broncos, and he might not get out of Denver without a signed contract. If he remains free, the Giants could be next in line.
As for the offensive line, the Giants struck out as far as getting anywhere with massive Leonard Davis, who has decided to return close to his home (he's from Wortham, just south of Dallas) to play for the Cowboys. The Giants called about Davis but could not get him to visit. Instead, he took trips to Dallas and Washington and opted for the Cowboys, receiving a seven-year, $49 million package with $20 million in guaranteed money. The Giants were not going to commit that sort of cash to find a replacement for the player they released, Luke Petitgout, who suddenly is the best remaining left tackle on the market.

Mar 4 Brandon Jacobs this offseason has in no uncertain terms made it clear he is the rightful heir to Tiki Barber's running-back throne. That should not be a problem if the Giants sign Dominic Rhodes to compliment the bruising Jacobs in the backfield. Rhodes, 28, started all 16 regular-season games for the Super Bowl-champion Colts, but he was not demanding a starting role as he hit free agency. He is coming off a season in which he basically shared the halfback job with rookie Joseph Addai and has stated he has no issue with doing the same with a new team.
Dominic Rhodes wrapped up his two-day visit with the Giants without a deal, even though the Giants were "favorably impressed" with the free-agent running back, according to a team source. Still, they were busy exploring other available options, including Travis Henry and Tatum Bell. Henry was cut by Tennessee yesterday, two days before he was due an $8.3 million roster bonus. The 5-9, 215-pounder was on his way to Denver last night but his agent, Hadley Englehard, said the Giants had quickly called to express their interest after he was released.
Meanwhile, the Giants appear out of the running for Davis. They spoke to offensive lineman Leonard Davis' agent several times yesterday, but as of last night Davis was not scheduled to arrive in East Rutherford anytime soon. "It's between the Redskins and the Cowboys," Davis told The Associated Press last night.

Visanthe Shiancoe, playing behind Pro Bowl tight end Jeremy Shockey for the New York Giants, got few opportunities to catch the ball (just 35 career receptions, including 12 for 81 yards last year) and was relegated to blocking duties. "Well, basically in New York I had a role, and I guess my role was to be a certain type of tight end," said Shiancoe, who didn't score a touchdown in the past two seasons. "Jeremy is a terrific pass-catching tight end, and I just played my role. I was a blocking tight end, and that's what I accepted." Not anymore.
With at least five other teams interested in him, Shiancoe required a five-year, $18.5 million that included $7 million in guarantees. He will make nearly $8 million in 2007 and close to $12 million over the first three seasons. Shiancoe said he was "ecstatic" about becoming a Viking and said he was aware of the similarities between him and Taylor a year ago. "They're looking for a versatile tight end, and I feel like that's what I can bring to the table. I can catch, and I can block. With this offense and this quarterback and the personnel they have here, I'm really excited to showcase what I can do here."
General manager Jerry Reese had said at the NFL combine he expected Shiancoe would be offered some big money because he caught all 12 balls thrown to him last season and is a decent blocker.

NFC News
The Tampa Bay Buccaneers signed Jeff Garcia to compete with Chris Simms for the starting quarterback job and traded with Denver for the rights to Jake Plummer, who's considering retirement. Both Plummer and Garcia are well schooled in the West Coast offense run by Tampa Bay coach Jon Gruden and either or both could beat out Simms, who missed the final 13 games of last season after rupturing his spleen. Simms signed a two-year contract extension in December.

Mar 3 Through one day of free agency -- a day on which the 49ers and Bills spent nearly $200 million -- the Giants didn't part with a single penny. That might change today when they start talking numbers with running back Dominic Rhodes and offensive lineman Leonard Davis. Rhodes, a member of the Super Bowl champion Colts for the first six years of his career, arrived in East Rutherford yesterday afternoon for a visit. His agent, Mike McCartney, said last night he hadn't begun speaking with the Giants about a contract and didn't expect to do so until today.
The Giants confirmed Davis, a former No. 2 overall pick of the Cardinals in 2001 who moved from guard to tackle in 2004, is expected to arrive today after a visit with the Cowboys. He's also scheduled to meet with the Redskins. But there were several conflicting reports late last night about where Davis was headed next. Some reports had him going directly to Washington with no scheduled stop with the Giants.
A team source said Davis was due in today, but his agent, Ryan Tollner, told the News last night that no visit had been scheduled. The 28-year-old Davis was in Dallas yesterday and plans to meet with the Washington Redskins today, and won't decide on any other visits until tonight. Signing Davis would allow the Giants to replace the recently cut Luke Petitgout at left tackle without having to reshuffle other players on the offensive line. Linebacker Joey Porter, a nine-year veteran who was cut by Pittsburgh on Thursday, likely will follow quickly. His agent, Jeff Sperbeck, confirmed that the Giants had called yesterday to express their interest, but he had not set up any visits yet. The Dolphins and Browns were reportedly interested, too.
The Giants were hoping to lure tackle Leonard Davis to a visit in the next few days, and it still might happen. But at the moment, word is he only plans to visit Dallas (some reports say he's there already) and Washington. It appears he’s resisting overtures from the Giants. I'm not exactly sure why, but it does bring up an interesting point: There are some free agents out there who want nothing to do with the Giants. It's not viewed as an attractive situation because for several reasons: 1. The perception of chaos in the locker room (real or not, it's certainly been widely reported), 2. Playing for Tom Coughlin isn't always fun, and 3. Coughlin's one-year deal makes it likely that the whole coaching staff could change after this season.

With Tiki Barber gone into retirement, the Giants have targeted Rhodes as the perfect complementary back to share the rushing load with Brandon Jacobs. Rhodes' first visit in free agency came yesterday. Bad weather forced Rhodes to reschedule his flight, but he arrived in New Jersey in the afternoon and was wined and dined last night by Giants brass. That the Giants are interested in Rhodes, 28, is interesting, considering his blemished personal record.

NFC East News
The Washington Redskins were aggressive on the first day of free agency Friday, wooing and then signing London Fletcher to fill a big spot at middle linebacker. As they've done in past years, Daniel Snyder and his underlings seemed ready to make a big early splash, albeit in a market in which teams have cash to spend but few -- if any -- impact players on which to spend it.
The agreement, which includes a $10.5 million signing bonus, came as Fletcher and cornerback Fred Smoot were treated to a Washington Wizards game, part of a courtship by a Redskins team that went 5-11 and needs to repair the worst defense in the NFC. The Redskins were close to finalizing a deal with Smoot, who played four seasons with the Redskins before leaving in 2005 to sign with the Minnesota Vikings, where he endured two disappointing seasons, the first marred by the "Love Boat" scandal.

Mar 2 Shaun O'Hara is staying home. The Hillsborough native and the Giants reached an agreement on a new contract last night about two hours before the start of free agency, according to one of his agents, Tony Agnone. The former Rutgers lineman will remain in East Rutherford to be the team's starting center after agreeing to a five-year contract worth up to $19 million. The deal includes a $7.5 million signing bonus and will pay O'Hara $12 million over the first three years.
O'Hara's agent, Tony Agnone, visited Giants Stadium for a face-to-face meeting with first-year general manager Jerry Reese and his assistant, Kevin Abrams, trying to hammer out a contract to keep O'Hara in blue. Agnone left without a new deal but negotiations continued, as O'Hara never wanted to leave and the Giants wanted to keep him, at the right price. As reported in Wednesday's Post, the Giants' offer of five years and $18 million was not going to get it done, but the ante was increased and O'Hara agreed to a five-year, $19 million package that includes a signing bonus of $7.5 million. It is the first signing for Reese, but it certainly won't be the last. "Ultimately I wanted to be a Giant all along," O'Hara told The Post last night. "I was happy that they wanted me as well. I'm excited. At times it was a lot more strenuous than I anticipated." Agnone yesterday was accompanied by one of his famous clients, Michael Strahan, to discuss the remaining two years (and $8 million) on his contract.
With O'Hara signed, the Giants were free to turn their attention in other directions as the market opened, and while they weren't expected to be major players for some of the bigger names - such as cornerback Nate Clements and linebacker Adalius Thomas - they were planning to be aggressive in pursuit of some second-tier free agents. Among the players they planned to immediately chase were running back Dominic Rhodes, safety Michael Lewis, cornerback Roderick Hood and left tackle Leonard Davis. Rhodes, the Colts' Super Bowl star who was recently arrested for DUI, is expected to visit the Giants today. Lewis and Hood, who played under new Giants defensive coordinator Steve Spagnuolo in Philadelphia, might not be far behind.

Two people familiar with the team's decision-making process said cutting tackle Luke Petitgout last month was solely Reese's idea, and that Tom Coughlin was steadfastly against it. Reese then decided to take a tough stance in negotiations with O'Hara, who'll be 30 June 23. But the team decided to keep the rest of the offensive line intact. The Giants were believed to have about $20 million in salary-cap room heading into today's start of free agency, but it may be only about half that. If so, O'Hara's contract leaves them with little room to throw big money at the few high-profile free agents available. The Giants have decided to let kicker Jay Feely go to free agency.
The NFL's shopping season begins today with the start of unrestricted free agency and the Giants have nearly $20 million under the $109 million salary cap to spend. "We will do as much as possible in free agency," new general manager Jerry Reese said last week at the NFL scouting combine. "Wherever the money takes us, that's what we will try to do. We have players coming in [for visits], we have a game plan going. We'll be as active as possible with the money." Reese, who was promoted to replace retired Ernie Accorsi, began preparations by freeing up cash with several roster moves. He released linebackers Carlos Emmons and LaVar Arrington, left tackle Luke Petitgout and kick returner Chad Morton in February.

The Giants have about $17 million of salary-cap space once free agency begins today. And they expect to spend a lot of it. Whether it's finding a complementary running back to Brandon Jacobs, retooling a leaky secondary for a second consecutive season or filling the gaps left by the cutting of two starting linebackers, new Giants general manager Jerry Reese at least has the monetary resources. Finding the physical ones in what most observers rate a thin free-agent pool is the trick. And, Reese said, if the Giants don't get who they want, it won't be for lack of trying. Considering last year's restructuring of the secondary proved just short of a disaster despite the experience of corner Sam Madison and the physicality of safety Will Demps, Reese might want to start there.
Reese took advantage of a change in the restricted free agent scale to give safety Gibril Wilson a second-round tender of $1.3 million. The second-round tender was instituted this year to give teams another option in assuring them the right of first refusal for any player signed to an offer sheet by another team, and compensation if they failed to match that offer. In the past, teams could only tender restricted free agents at levels requiring first- third-round compensation, first-round compensation or compensation at the round in which the player was drafted. The second-round compensation assures the Giants of a first-day pick for losing Wilson, a fifth-round pick in 2004. And they save $500,000 on their salary cap since the first-round tender this season is $1.8 million. The Giants also gave $850,000 entry-level tenders to linebacker Reggie Torbor (fourth round) and running back Derrick Ward (seventh round), originally drafted by the Jets in 2004.

Giants - Best Free-Agent Signing
QB Kerry Collins led the Giants to a Super Bowl. Since 2000, C Shaun O'Hara, LB Antonio Pierce and WR Plaxico Burress have been the best additions.
Giants Worst Free-Agent Signing
LB Barrett Green signed a five-year, $13.75-million deal in 2004 and played only 11 games over two seasons that included several ankle and knee injuries as well as numerous spats with coach Tom Coughlin.

Antonio Pierce hosted a party at his Los Angeles-area home so family members and friends could join him in watching Super Bowl XXLI. Like millions of other people, Pierce and his guests watched the Indianapolis Colts defeat the Chicago Bears, 29-17, on Feb. 4. They saw Peyton Manning throw for 247 yards, Dominic Rhodes run for 113 and Chicago linebacker Brian Urlacher record 10 tackles. At 7 o'clock the next morning, Pierce was awakened from a deep sleep by a phone call from an NFL representative telling him he had been added to the NFC Pro Bowl roster -- as a replacement for Urlacher, who had a toe injury. "I thought it was a crank joke," Pierce said this week. "I watched the game like everyone else. The guy looked healthy to me and fine to me." Pierce had three unassisted tackles in the NFC's 31-28 loss to the AFC. But his personal highlight was a third-quarter interception of a Vince Young pass.

Mar 1 At this point last week, the Giants were confident they would complete a new contract with impending free-agent center Shaun O'Hara. Now, they're preparing for life without him. With free agency set to begin just after midnight tonight, the Giants and O'Hara's agents are far apart on a new contract, according to someone in direct contact with members of both sides. The person, who requested anonymity because of the private nature of negotiations, said the Giants are almost certain the Hillsborough native and former Rutgers star will enter the free-agent market and sign elsewhere.
The Giants last year often spoke about the importance of continuity on the offensive line, but their actions this offseason might not match that rhetoric. Left tackle Luke Petitgout already has been let go, with the team concerned about the short-term health of his back. If unrestricted-free-agent center Shaun O'Hara leaves, a void will be created not only in the middle of the line but also in the locker room, where O'Hara is one of the true team leaders. O'Hara, 29, lives in New Jersey, went to Rutgers, came to the Giants in 2004, and wants to stay put. It might not make financial sense for him.

The remodeling of the Giants begins in earnest tonight. Yes, new general manager Jerry Reese took a step in that direction by cutting tackle Luke Petitgout on Feb. 12, but the 12:01 start of free agency signals a chance for Reese to add players and chart a new course for the franchise. That's not an overstatement. The Giants have holes at linebacker, cornerback, offensive line and likely kicker, plus a huge void with Tiki Barber retired. Michael Strahan, 35, and Amani Toomer, 32, are nearing the end of their careers, too, leaving the team searching for new cornerstones.
General manager Jerry Reese says the team has a plan entering free agency, a plan that along with the draft addresses team needs. "There are always good players in free agency, just like there are always good players in the draft," said Reese, who will retain his duties as director of personnel through the late-April draft. "You just have to pick the right ones for your organization who fit you the best." If O'Hara flees via free agency, the Giants will need to add another experienced offensive lineman capable of starting right away. With O'Hara on board, Rich Seubert could play left guard, allowing David Diehl to move to the departed Luke Petitgout's left tackle spot. Without O'Hara, Seubert may be needed to play center, leaving the guard spot open.

New York Giants wide receiver Amani Toomer and his wife of more than four years were granted a divorce Thursday after two days of closed-door negotiations that produced an agreement on division of their assets and avoided a trial. "It's a great day, personally for me, and I'm just real happy right now," Toomer told The Jersey Journal of Jersey City shortly after the hearing in family court had concluded. After the ruling was made, he left the courtroom, walked into a nearby room and raised both fists above his head in celebration. Terms of the settlement were not disclosed.

Feb 28 The start of NFL free agency comes Friday and Jay Feely is sure of one thing: He's headed to the open market. "I'm definitely headed to free agency," the Giants kicker told The Post yesterday from his Michigan home. "There's no doubt in my mind. That doesn't mean I'm not going to be a Giant." Feely the past two years performed well for the Giants and he strongly wants to return. He just doesn't know if it will make financial sense for him to do so. Attempts last season at putting together a contract extension never resulted in a new deal, and the offer the Giants have on the table is far below what Feely considers market rate.

The Giants shaved one name off their list of potential free agents Tuesday by re-signing long snapper Ryan Kuehl, the 12-year veteran who signed with them after the snapping fiascos of the 2002 season. Kuehl, 35, sat out 2003 with an elbow injury, but has handled all the long snapping flawlessly for the past three seasons.
The way it stands right now, Kuehl will be one of the only Giants unrestricted free agents that the team re-signs. The only others they have expressed an interest in re-signing are center Shaun O'Hara, kicker Jay Feely and backup lineman Grey Ruegamer. They have made a one-year offer to Ruegamer, though it's believed to be only for near the veteran minimum, and they plan to take a wait-and-see approach with Feely as they see what other kickers are available and what the market price for kickers turns out to be. The big one, of course, is O'Hara, but things are not going well.
Ryan Kuehl never expected to have a long NFL career, so his decision to re-sign with the Giants gives him another installment in a continuing bonus. "Counting the year I spent on the practice squad, this will be my 12th season," Kuehl said today. "That's about 12 more than I thought I'd play. A bunch of teams have called, but I've been talking with Kevin (Abrams, the team's assistant general manager) for the last month. I wanted to come back and play a fifth year in New York and be with Jeff (Feagles) and the other guys on the team and do my little part in taking care of the ball in the kicking game and see if we can't win a few more games this year and put ourselves in a better position in the playoffs."

When Brandon Jacobs heard about the football reunion they were planning around the spring game at Coffeyville (Kan.) Community College, he figured it would be a great chance to catch up with his former teammates. So the Giants' running back began looking up a few phone numbers, including his former competition in the Coffeyville backfield for one season -- Broncos running back Damien Nash. "I hadn't talked to him in a while, so I wanted to call him," Jacobs said Monday. "Instead, I got a call that said he passed."
Nash, 24, died on Saturday after collapsing in his home in front of his wife and seven-month-old daughter. A few hours earlier, he had played in a charity basketball game he had organized in honor of his brother, Darris, who had a heart transplant last year. Jacobs was stunned by the news. He said the other night he sat at his computer Googling Nash's name to find images of him. He said he just sat there in silence, looking at the player who took away a few of his carries in 2002.

Testimony in the divorce trial of New York Giants wide receiver Amani Toomer and his wife of more than four years was postponed until Wednesday as both sides worked on a settlement that would avoid publicly airing more of the couple's dirty laundry. Toomer and wife Yola Dabrowski were set to square off in court Tuesday after he asked a county judge for an annulment because, among other claims, his wife refused to have children and underwent three abortions without his knowledge or consent.

Feb 27 Michael Strahan, 35, is scheduled to make about $4.5 million this season, count between $6 million and $7 million against New York's salary cap, and maybe most notably, is due a $500,000 roster bonus by March 1 if the Giants intend to keep him. Having already lost one all-time franchise great, Tiki Barber, the Giants do not want to lose another. But first, the Giants and Strahan must see whether they can come to some type of mutual agreement, as they would like, that would mean the defensive end with 132 1/2 sacks would finish his career in New York. If Strahan doesn't like what he hears, he always has the option of walking away to a TV job that is out there waiting for him, whenever he decides to retire. And, if talks unexpectedly break down, then there would be another option Giants fans would have a hard time stomaching -- Strahan finishing his career in Washington.
With the salary cap having risen dramatically the last two years, Strahan is a relative bargain for the Giants. But given his age, and considering he's lost half a season to injuries (a torn pec, a sprained foot) in two of the last three years, the Giants have no interest in extending his contract. They are open to a creative restructuring and possibly sweetening the deal a little, according to a source. But they're not desperate to do it since they'll begin the free-agent signing period on Friday approximately $20 million under the salary cap. Barring a major setback in his recovery from the foot sprain that limited him to nine games last season, Strahan is not in danger of being cut or traded. At the combine last week, Tom Coughlin said Strahan is progressing well in his rehabilitation and will not need surgery.

Feb 25 General manager Jerry Reese said yesterday at the NFL scouting combine in Indianapolis that he would explore trade possibilities with the Bills for McGahee, who is heading into the final year of his contract. McGahee wants an extension from the Bills, but general manager Marv Levy isn't inclined to accommodate the outspoken and injury-prone back. Even though McGahee would enter coach Tom Coughlin's locker room with those two strikes against him, Reese said he'd be willing to send a second-day draft pick Buffalo's way. But in no way would he give up a first-day selection. "We'll investigate Willis," Reese said. "We'll investigate everybody out there with a trade talk. We'll leave no stone unturned as far as that's concerned."
A Bills spokesman declined to comment. One member of the organization, who requested anonymity because the trade discussions are ongoing, said Buffalo general manager Marv Levy was surprised by Reese's candor but not overly upset about the comments. There are other trade options, such as Bears running back Thomas Jones and Tatum Bell of the Broncos. The buzz around the scouting combine among other teams' coaches and front-office types is that the Giants are set on taking a linebacker or cornerback with the 20th overall pick, meaning they likely will resolve the running back issue by signing a veteran in free agency.
Buffalo officials reportedly were annoyed that Reese mentioned that McGahee is available, even though it's been widely rumored. Reese also said there are rumors the Bears are looking to move Thomas Jones, who rushed for 1,210 yards last season. But before "blockbuster deal" enters the Giants' lexicon, Reese also said, "We're not going to give away too much. If the right guy comes along there are some people we could package up and trade. Teams haven't been asking about our players but we'll be willing to package up a deal, players for players. We're not giving up our first-day picks. You always want to keep your draft picks, but the back end of it for the right player, we can do that."
Not willing to surrender a first-day pick might knock the Giants out of any hunt for McGahee or Jones or for San Diego's Mike Turner, a restricted free agent sure to be tendered at a first-round pick by the Chargers. So Jacobs' running mate more likely will come from the draft, free agency or a trade for a back buried on some other team's depth chart.

Brandon Jacobs still may be the heir apparent to Tiki Barber's throne, but Willis McGahee could end up fighting him for the crown. New Giants GM Jerry Reese also said he is looking into "rumors" that the Bears are shopping running back Thomas Jones, and he's monitoring the situation with Michael Turner in San Diego. Turner, LaDainian Tomlinson's backup, is a restricted free agent who is likely to be given a high tender so any team that tries to sign him will have to give up at least a first-round pick. That would seem to eliminate Turner from the Giants' plans, since Reese said he will not trade any of his first-day picks (rounds 1-3). However, he did say he would be willing to offer second-day picks and/or "a package of players" to get a running back via trade.
McGahee rushed for 990 yards and six touchdowns in 14 games with the Bills last season. He also caught 18 passes for 156 yards. "[The Giants] are going to bring in two guys - one of them will probably be a name, another may be a high draft pick," the departed Barber told The Post recently. "It should drive [Jacobs]. It should push him to be better." With McGahee entering the final year of his contract in 2007, the Bills are concerned about seeing him walk away next summer without them getting anything in return. McGahee's agent is Drew Rosenhaus, a notoriously aggressive negotiator.
Reese also said the Giants will look at the available free-agent running backs -- Dominic Rhodes and Ahman Green are the most notable names -- and he added that there are running backs the team likes in the draft. Reese said the Giants plan to tender qualifying offers to LB Reggie Torbor and S Gibril Wilson, who are both restricted free agents. It's possible Wilson will receive a high tender, making it less likely he'll be signed by another team. They are still considering their options on their other RFA, RB Derrick Ward, though Reese said he'll "probably" get a tender, too.
C Shaun O'Hara has received his final offer from the Giants, and according to a source it's a five-year deal worth approximately $4 million per season with about $7 million in guaranteed money. That was apparently O'Hara's initial asking price, before it jumped during the last week. If he doesn't sign it, the Giants seem content to let him hit the free-agent market and go with Rich Seubert as their starting center next season.

Could Lovie Smith be the Giants' coach in 2008? Don't laugh, because he might be available if the situation doesn't improve in Chicago, where it looks like he's heading toward a messy split. Smith is in the last year of a contract that makes him the lowest-paid coach in the NFL ($1.45 million), and negotiations on an extension have gone so badly that his agent, Frank Bauer, told the Chicago Sun-Times that it will "take a miracle" to get it done. If they don't, Smith will be one of the hottest free agents on the market next year. And if Tom Coughlin's make-or-break year with the Giants doesn't work out, Smith - who impressed Giants management in a 2004 interview - could quickly vault to the top of their list.

Feb 24 In his press conference to announce his hiring with NBC, Tiki Barber fired away at Coughlin, hinting that his retirement from football may have been influenced by Coughlin's tough, rigid ways. "He pushed me in that direction," Barber said. "He kind of forced me to start thinking about what I wanted to do next. We were in full pads for 17 weeks, and with the amount of injuries we had, it takes a toll on you. You physically don't want to be out there when your body feels the way you do in full pads." Coughlin had his say Thursday at the NFL Combine. He seemed to be lying in wait for any question about Barber. "I think to give the illusion that I had something to do with his retirement, I don't quite follow that," Coughlin said.
Tom Coughlin has one regret about Tiki Barber: that he couldn't convince the New York Giants running back to keep his opinions out of the public spotlight. On Friday, the New York Giants coach told reporters during the NFL's annual scouting combine he wished Barber hadn't used the media to voice his strong opinions and wasn't sure why Barber blamed the coaching staff for pushing him into retirement. Barber's latest comments came during a news conference when he was hired by NBC.

Coughlin and Barber had several public and private spats during their three seasons together, including a reported shouting match after a 26-10 loss to the Jaguars Nov. 20. Barber said a day later that the Giants had been outcoached - the second time in 10 months Barber used that word. Newsday reported that two Giants players said Coughlin and Barber went toe-to-toe in a meeting room two days after Barber's statement to the media, with each yelling, "Who [expletive] do you think you are?" Coughlin expressed regret that he has been unable to convince his players to keep complaints private.
Tom Coughlin reminded everyone that his three-year tenure with the Giants coincided with the three best years of Barber's 10-year career. "That's what really disappoints me," Coughlin said between sessions at the NFL scouting combine. "And it hurts because I hold this player in high regard. And he has performed. The best years of his career have been under our tutelage and I'm certainly very proud of that." Barber admitted that fact on Feb.13 during a press conference announcing his new role at NBC. But he also said he might "possibly" still be a Giant if Coughlin wasn't the coach. He criticized Coughlin for having the team practice in full pads deep into the season, and said, "The grind took its toll on me and forced me to start thinking about what I wanted to do next."

It was Coughlin's day to finally take a few jabs at a player whose fumbling problems were cured by the coach he ripped. "The Giants had experienced a very poor season in '03 and Tiki had a very poor year," Coughlin said. "There had been some ball-security issues that obviously could have been something which was detrimental to his career. "(Running backs coach) Jerald Ingram and I knew we could help Tiki with regard to that and he was very eager to learn this new technique and was an outstanding student. I mean, everything he did throughout the off-season program was with the ball in the position we call 'high and tight.'
As for the future, Coughlin said Eli Manning was already at Giants Stadium going over films with new quarterbacks coach Chris Palmer, and that the team will try to either sign or draft a complementary running back to Brandon Jacobs, whom he believes can handle the role of featured back. In other news, restricted free agent linebacker Chase Blackburn, middle linebacker Antonio Pierce's primary backup and a solid special-teamer, agreed to a four-year deal worth approximately $3.3 million. The team has two other linebackers it must deal with in unrestricted Brandon Short and restricted Reggie Torbor.

Tom Coughlin on the regular season game in London.
"The way the league has handled this has been very good. In other words, we have our bye week after that. I don't know all the circumstances that are going to take place within that week. I do want to have a normal week of practice and preparation for a very good Miami team. Perhaps because it comes as the eighth game and then we have the bye -- it's been a long time since I've been associated with a team that's had a bye right where, quite frankly, a bye ought to be. This may turn out to be something that we all may look at as something we enjoy."

While Giants general manager Jerry Reese continues to prepare for his final draft as the team's director of player personnel, he has an eye on the people who will replace him. Among the candidates Reese has in mind are Bills national college scout Marc Ross and Ravens scout Lional Vital, according to someone who speaks to members of the Giants' front office on a regular basis.

NFL News - Corey Dillon has decided to retire.
New York Giants running back Tiki Barber made a similar decision this season, retiring to accept a broadcasting job with NBC despite still playing at a high level. "'I think more of my health, how I envision myself 5-10 years down the road," Dillon said via cellphone from California. "I don't want to be broken down, not able to play with my kids. I've been blessed and fortunate enough to play 10 years. I can get up and walk around and be comfortable. That's one of the big determining factors."

Feb 23 Special Report - When the Giants drafted Mathias Kiwanuka with their first draft choice last year -- through a trade he wound up being the last pick, or 32nd, in the draft -- many considered the fact that he might have been a trifle too small for defensive end. He is 6-5 and 260. What he showed last season, as a sometimes starter and frequent stand-out, was that indeed, his size and his accompanying quickness might qualify him for something else. Like linebacker? There are such thoughts bouncing around in the minds of the team's defensive coaches, particularly the new coordinator, Steve Spagnuolo.

Tight end Clark Harris, one of three Rutgers players invited to the combine, certainly got my attention this afternoon when he said he had already met with representatives of the Giants. But that wasn't the surprising part. The surprising part was why. "The Giants said they're unsure what Shockey's deal is," Harris said. "So they're looking for somebody (at tight end)." Huh? So what's the "deal"? According to a Giants spokesman, the ankle injury which hampered Shockey all season "is not an issue", so that's not it. And he's signed through 2011, so his contract isn't an issue either. It's much more likely that what the Giants actually told Harris is that they're unsure of Shiancoe's situation -- not Shockey's situation. Visanthe Shiancoe, the Giants' No. 2 tight end, is a free agent who may not be resigned.

Feb 22 The Giants and the agents for center Shaun O'Hara have drawn closer in their contract talks and are expected to reach a deal before the start of free agency March 2, according to a person familiar with the negotiations. The person, who requested anonymity because talks are ongoing, said a contract could be completed in the next two days. The person expects the deal to be worth an average of approximately $4 million per season over five or six years with $7.5 million to $8.5 million guaranteed -- slightly less than the contract the Cowboys just gave center Andre Gurode.

Fox - NFC East off-season preview.
The Giants jumped out to a 6-2 start, then backed into the playoffs at 8-8. After a wild-card loss to the Eagles, Tom Coughlin was expected to lose his job, but instead received a one-year extension. Defensive coordinator Tim Lewis wasn't so lucky. He was fired, and the team hired Eagles linebackers coach Steve Spagnuolo to replace him. There is some speculation that Coughlin is only a placeholder for 2007, and the team will make a run at one of the big-name coaches likely to be available next off-season.

2006 Recap: WR Plaxico Burress - An interactive look back at the Giants wideout's season.
Wide receiver Plaxico Burress scored a career-high 10 touchdowns in 2006, joining Earnest Gray (1980) to become only the second player in Giants history to record 10 touchdown receptions in a season. In his second year with the Giants, the 6-5 Burress recorded 63 catches for 988 yards in 15 regular season games. He also caught five passes for 89 yards and two touchdowns in the Giants' NFC Wild Card game in Philadelphia. Burress' 63 receptions in 2006 placed him just behind tight end Jeremy Shockey's 66, but his 988 yards and 10 touchdowns were both team highs.

Feb 21 The Giants yesterday hired Sean Ryan as their new offensive quality control coach. Ryan comes to the Giants from Harvard, where he spent the 2006 season as recruiting coordinator, running backs coach and head coach of the junior varsity. He takes over for John DeFilippo, who was the quality control coach the previous two seasons.
It is believed negotiations with their premier unrestricted free agent, center Shaun O'Hara, have reached an impasse. O'Hara is thought to be asking for a six-year deal worth about $30 million, but the Giants don't want to spend that kind of money. The team still has two days left to use its franchise tag on him, but that would cost them more than $9 million on a one-year contract, far above their desired price. If they can't come to an agreement before next Friday, O'Hara will hit the open market as the top center now that Andre Gurode has signed a six-year deal with the Cowboys.

Feb 20 Giants center/guard Rich Seubert joined Steve Torre and Ralph Vacchiano on Press Pass on Sirius NFL Radio yesterday morning. They talked for 12 1/2minutes about everything from the Giants' recent cuts, to his chance to return to the starting lineup, to Brandon Jacobs, Tom Coughlin and Eli Manning. The link - To listen to the entire interview in mp3 format, click here - is also in the article.

NFL News
Breakdown of top-paid position rates in NFL. The earnings for each player represent salary and prorated signing bonus for 2006.

Feb 19 The moment Tiki Barber announced his intention to retire after the 2006 season and go into broadcasting, those who spend time around the Giants couldn't wait for it to happen. It wasn't because Barber, the Giants' all-time rushing leader, wasn't respected by his teammates or capable of winning games single-handedly. It was because everyone knew it wouldn't be long before Barber's candor would reveal what really went on inside a locker room Giants coach Tom Coughlin has ruled with an iron fist for the last three years.
Barber hinted that Coughlin's relentless approach might have hurt the Giants over the second half of the season. And although it didn't play a major role in his decision to retire, it didn't tempt him to reconsider, either. "It probably doesn't have a really detrimental effect on how you practice or play, but it does on your mind," Barber said. "And if you lose your mind in this game, you lose a lot. That's something he has to realize. And I think he does."

Feb 16 Bob Whitfield enjoyed every minute of his 15-year NFL career, including his final two seasons with the Giants. In a perfect world, Whitfield might have played football forever. But the NFL is a tough place to make a living for a 35-year-old offensive tackle. So Whitfield this week decided to retire. "It's time to hang it up and move on to the next thing," he said today. "I can hang it up and be happy and move on. I had a great time - I had a blast."
Whitfield indicated whatever fleeting thoughts he held about returning in 2007 were put to rest when he spoke with Coach Tom Coughlin earlier this week. "In my conversation with coach, he indicated they were going to go younger," Whitfield said. "So I'm going to go ride ponies in the sunset. I didn't want to wear out my welcome." Once regarded as one of the NFL's premier left tackles, Whitfield played 12 seasons with the Atlanta Falcons and one with the Jacksonville Jaguars before signing with the Giants on May 5, 2005. Whitfield played 220 regular season games with 176 starts.

Feb 15 Tiki Barber, the other day, to kick off his new career as a television commentator, made the perfectly reasonable observation that his former coach, Tom Coughlin, could be a tad inflexible. In doing so, Barber implied that his decision to walk away from the NFL at the peak of his career was aided in no small part by the realization that if he were to come back, he would have to play another season for a man so obsessed with some warped version of discipline that he would not allow his 31-year-old running back, who had more touches than anyone in the league over the past four years, to take it a little easier on Wednesdays. For this, Barber has been roundly criticized as disloyal, egotistical, self-centered and a headache the Giants will be better off without.
Today, Tiki Barber is the bad guy, Tom Coughlin the victim. Doesn't he know that only fans, commentators and journalists are allow to analyze, criticize, pontificate? The truth is, six months from now Barber will be missed a hell of a lot more than Coughlin will be wanted. The "headache," Barber, may be gone, but the tumor, Coughlin, lingers on. You ask me, he should have gone all the way and told the whole truth, said that it was running backs coach Jerald Ingram, not Coughlin, who really taught him to kick his fumbling problem; that the Giants will never win with a befuddled kid like Eli Manning at quarterback; that the sainted Accorsi was actually a failure as a GM, and that Reese, his successor, was a willing accomplice as his head of player personnel.

Cutting Luke Petitgout was just baffling. The left tackle was having his best season as a Giant before breaking his leg in the middle of November. And to illustrate just how good a season he was having, the Giants were reluctant to put him on injured reserve just in case he happened to make a rapid comeback and the Giants happened to go deep into the playoffs. Petitgout isn't a health risk -- he'll be 100 percent healthy by opening day. Petitgout was the Giants most consistent lineman. He was always steady as a run blocker and was a great locker room presence on a team filled with knuckleheads. And Petitgout did a really good job protecting Eli Manning. I cannot see how the Giants are better without him. In talking to former Giant and new NBC analyst Tiki Barber on Tuesday, the move puzzled him.

Feb 14 Jerry Reese's purge of the Giants continued for a second straight day, when he severed ties with kick returner Chad Morton yesterday. Morton, who signed a four-year, $3.1 million deal last spring, became the fourth injury-plagued player the new GM has cut since Monday. Morton was a moderately effective return man with the Giants, averaging 9.2 yards per punt return and 21.6yards per kickoff return this season His season ended when he tore his ACL in Week 15. His replacement next season likely will be Sinorice Moss, who had an injury-plagued rookie season.
Chad Morton joined the Giants on Sept. 3, 2005 and served as the team's primary punt returner for two seasons, as well as the leading kickoff returner in 2006. Although he played only 31 regular season games for the Giants, he is seventh on the franchise's career list with 721 punt return yards and 10th with 1,229 kickoff return yards.
Chad Morton was scheduled to make $720,000 this season. Morton tore his anterior cruciate ligament on Dec. 24 and subsequently underwent reconstructive knee surgery. Reese said the team has had conversations with all of the Giants' potential unrestricted free agents, of which center Shaun O'Hara and kicker Jay Feely are the two most prominent players. Given that Petitgout must be replaced, it's highly unlikely the Giants want to change two starting spots on the offensive line, which figures to increase the likelihood of O'Hara returning.

Giants fans may have been able to see Tiki Barber in Big Blue's huddle for another season, if not for the physical beating he received playing under head coach Tom Coughlin. Barber, speaking after yesterday's press conference that formally announced his three-year broadcasting contract with NBC, implied that Coughlin has problems relating to players on the team, and that it was an "act of God" that the physical demands the coach placed on him did not result in a serious injury.
None of this should come as news to Coughlin. "Because there would be days when I couldn't move on Wednesday at practice. He (Coughlin) would get mad at me for going half-speed," Barber said. "I told him: 'Coach I can't do it. I'm going to be out here. I'm never going to miss a practice, but I can't give you what you want all the time.' I think he understood." Why leave it at that? It's a given that someone probably will take Barber to task for again turning over the Coughlin card. Why even go there? Why go back to an old chapter on the day when a new one is beginning? "(Because) It's the truth. If the truth hurts you and it makes you think certain things then that's your problem. That's the truth for me," Barber said. "Coach Coughlin was nothing but great for me as a player, but the grind took its toll."

Tiki Barber said the team practiced in full pads all season despite numerous injuries and said that eventually "you physically don't want to be out there when your body feels like you do in full pads. "While it probably doesn't have a really detrimental effect on how you practice or play, it does on your mind, and if you lose your mind in [football], you lose a lot." Barber said he discussed his concerns with Coughlin and the coach gave a little, such as when Barber told him he could not go full speed in some practices. Still, it was not enough.
"He has changed in little ways," the former running back said, "but I think he still has to come more. The game has changed. Players are different, and you have to understand them and get to know them in order to encourage and motivate them to be successful. "Twenty years ago it was different. You could push a player until he broke down because you had 15 other guys who could come in and take his place."
The former Giants running back said he's looking forward to sharing his opinions. He got an early start by taking on Coughlin's coaching style. While talking about how he'll remember his time with the Giants, Barber said "the principles of our head coach started to take a toll on me." Giants vice president of communications Pat Hanlon said neither Coughlin nor the team had any comment on Barber's remarks. Barber elaborated on the physical price he paid under Coughlin, a notorious taskmaster who has drawn criticism from Barber in the past.

From now on, there should be no more sentimental lingering over whether Barber left football too soon or while at the top of his game. It's good that Barber is gone. It was time for him to go. His latest gripe was a revelation that retirement thoughts might never have crawled into his mind and stayed there if Coughlin's practices the past two seasons hadn't been so physically demanding. Barber, who's only 31, stopped just short of saying Coughlin drove him off.
That would've provoked a full-blown firestorm. But when asked several times if he might've kept playing if a more player-friendly coach such as Jim Fassel were still around, Barber said, "Possibly." Then: "While I appreciate what [Coughlin] tries to do, it just wasn't right for me anymore. "I never got breaks, never got to just relax, and it took a toll on me. He pushed me in this direction. He kind of forced me to start thinking about what I wanted to do next and I went after it.
Tiki Barber beat the NFL at its own game. He fired the league before the league could fire him, or, worse yet, mangle his body to the point where he couldn't sit up straight in one of those cushy network chairs. Barber said Tom Coughlin's all-out, all-the-time practices pushed him toward this day. What a surprise? "I know it's a bottom-line brutal business," Barber said Tuesday, the day after his former teammates Luke Petitgout, LaVar Arrington and Carlos Emmons were dumped for committing what the NFL considers a first-degree felony: getting hurt.
Tiki already understood the terms of his employment. If he hung around long enough, some coach would've done to him what Dan Reeves did to Phil Simms, this after the quarterback had just come off another playoff season. When Simms was called into Reeves' office, he thought he was being summoned to autograph items for charity. He was being summoned to his firing instead. If they can do it to Phil Simms, they can do it to Tiki Barber. That's everyday life in a blood sport. Petitgout was an invaluable protector of Eli Manning one minute, an expendable guy with a broken leg the next.

While there were talks with various networks, Barber said, "My dream has always been to be on the 'Today' show." So here he is, armed with a three-year deal and ready to work with his friend, co-host Matt Lauer. "He's so smart and drives himself so hard that I think he's a perfect fit for our show," Lauer said. "I want him going out and doing stories in the political season and giving us a different perspective on a candidate. ... I think it's important to get him out on parenting stories, education stories, health stories. He's 31 years old. Fitness. What it's like to stay healthy. What it's like to change careers." All the recent talk about retired NFL players having severe physical problems just reinforced the decision by the married father of two young sons to change careers while he's still in good health. So opening day will be April 16 - his "Today" debut.

Feb 13 Special Report - It didn't take Jerry Reese, the new general manager, much time to shake up the Giants and get everybody's attention. It was announced that the team had released three veterans -- strongside linebacker LaVar Arrington, weakside linebacker Carlos Emmons and, perhaps most surprisingly of all, offensive tackle Luke Petitgout. Petitgout suffered a fractured leg in the ninth game of the season against the Chicago Bears and never returned, despite the Giants' decision not to place him on Injured Reserve immediately. It was hoped that he might return for the last game or two of the season plus whatever playoff games were involved, but he didn't, and the week before the regular season ended he was placed on Injured Reserve.
"Luke has been a valuable player for the Giants," Reese said. "Throughout his career he has showed versatility and toughness. This was a difficult decision because of that, but it was [nevertheless] one we felt we had to make to take the first steps in improving our team for [the 2007 season]." Head coach Tom Coughlin, who apparently worked with Reese on the difficult decisions, added this about Petitgout, the team's first round draft pick in 1999. "Luke has been a tough competitor and was really playing well before his injury."

Jerry Reese's first move as the new general manager of the Giants was big and unexpected. And he might just be getting started. Showing that he's serious about making the Giants a younger, healthier team, the first-year GM said goodbye yesterday to three expensive, injury-plagued veterans - left tackle Luke Petitgout and linebackers LaVar Arrington and Carlos Emmons. Combined, the trio missed 23 games last season and was due nearly $8 million in salary this year. Just moments after the Giants announced that Petitgout had been released, his main backup, Bob Whitfield, announced his retirement on Sirius NFL radio - a move that may have been done because he was about to get cut, too.
The moves will save the Giants more than $5 million on their salary cap. The Giants' decision to rid themselves of Petitgout, 30, was shocking, but one Reese maintained was "one we felt we had to make to take the first steps in improving our team for 2007." The other steps he took yesterday were to his linebacking corps. The release of Emmons, 33, was expected after three injury-plagued seasons, but cutting Arrington, 28, was a bit of a surprise, even though he suffered a torn Achilles' tendon in the Giants' sixth game last season.
Reached on his cell phone last night, the former No. 2 overall pick said he's contemplating retirement. "I have to decide if playing football is in my head or in my heart," Arrington said. "If it's in my heart, I'll come back for an attractive situation. If it's in my head, I'm done. I have a few other options for my life outside football. "I'm not going to say I'm Tiki Barber, but I'm not chopped meat."

It is possible that Jerry Reese plans to fill at least one of the newly created holes with unrestricted Bears weak-side linebacker Lance Briggs, who will come at a premium price tag. The Giants had about $15.7 million under the estimated salary cap of $109 million. But with negotiations ongoing with center Shaun O'Hara, Reese undoubtedly was looking to add even more space for acquisitions. Still, leaving a hole at left tackle is not something to be taken lightly. With David Diehl having experience there and Rich Seubert able to move in at guard, getting O'Hara back would avoid creating two holes in the offensive front.
But now the Giants must find a competent left tackle to protect Eli Manning's blind side. That's what makes the Petitgout move surprising. There is no obvious replacement on the roster. Head-butting Bob Whitfield will not be back and David Diehl, who played the last two games at left tackle, is better suited for guard. Guy Whimper did not play a down as a rookie.
The Giants will be looking to upgrade in the secondary and at linebacker in free agency and the draft. Lance Briggs is the most attractive linebacker out there, but the Bears might put the franchise tag on him. Colts linebacker Cato June and Chiefs linebacker Kawika Mitchell also will be available. But the Giants' more pressing need might be at cornerback. Sam Madison and R.W. McQuarters were solid free-agency pickups, but second-year corner Corey Webster has not developed as hoped. The Bills' Nate Clements and the Patriots' Asante Samuel are the top corners who will hit the market March 2.

So now we have some insight into what life around the Giants is going to be like with Jerry Reese calling the shots as the general manager. If you are hurt, be afraid. Be very afraid. And whoever you are, don't buy. Rent. According to someone in the organization, Reese's goal is to make the Giants younger and healthier. He is intent on building a team that can survive the long haul and not fade down the stretch of the season, something that took place in each of the last three years once the roster was ravaged by injuries.
Clearly, Jerry Reese was not going to be content taking the same team back into training camp that turned a 6-2 start into a 2-6 nightmare finish. He inherited Tom Coughlin, who was given a one-year extension less than one week before Reese was given his new job. So, if the team was going to be contructed in Reese's image, he had to start carving up the roster, which has been decimated by injuries four years in a row, especially in the second half of the season. If that doesn't work and the Giants have a miserable season, then Coughlin will be gone, too. He barely made it back for the 2007 season. Reese didn't really have a choice with Coughlin this year. He will next year.

Tiki Barber officially filed his retirement papers yesterday morning, about 36 hours after concluding his playing career at the Pro Bowl, where he scored a touchdown for the NFC. This morning, he will begin his next career when NBC introduces him as a news and sports personality. He will contribute to the "Today" show as well as "Football Night in America," which appears Sundays during the NFL season.
He will also have a role in the 2008 and 2010 Olympic telecasts and possibly handle a variety of other assignments from other NBC news shows. NBC will make the formal announcement today. The deal ended a reported bidding war with the Fox network for the talented Barber, the Giants' all-time leading rusher. But now that Barber will be carrying the ball for NBC, he'll be using a different set of skills: his easygoing manner, winning smile and poise in front of the cameras.

NFC East News
Eagles - The team is granting Andy Reid an unprecedented leave of absence until mid-March while his sons Garrett, 23, and Britt, 21, face the pending legal process and deal with apparent substance abuse issues, including rehab options. No NFL head coach has ever taken such a leave, although Reid will miss only the scouting combine and start of free agency, his absence having a "minimal" impact, according to team president Joe Banner, who addressed the media yesterday from Philadelphia.

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