86mets

Giants ink linebacker Michael Boley

The Redskins shook up the free agent market Friday morning when they made Albert Haynesworth the NFL's first $100 million defensive player. But not before the Giants tried to get him first.

The Giants made a surprising run at the big defensive tackle early Friday morning, just a few hours before they locked up their first free agent, ex-Falcons linebacker Michael Boley. The Giants called Haynesworth's agent just after midnight and stayed "in the mix" for several hours, two NFL sources told the Daily News. They didn't even immediately back out when they were told the 27-year-old wanted more than $30 million guaranteed, one source said.

Of course, Haynesworth's price quickly got far out of the Giants' range, as he signed a seven-year deal worth $100 million, with $41 million guaranteed, just 5-1/2 hours after the free-agent signing period began. His agent, Chad Speck, confirmed the Giants' interest but said Haynesworth's final choice came down to the Redskins and the Buccaneers.

The early pursuit of the 6-6, 320-pound Haynesworth, though, was a sign that the Giants planned to use free agency to bolster their defense, despite receiver Plaxico Burress' uncertain status. As soon as Haynesworth was out of reach, the Giants turned their attention to the 26-year-old Boley, who arrived for a visit last night and quickly agreed to terms on a five-year deal believed to be worth $25 million.

Boley was expected to sign the deal - which could guarantee him as much as $10 million - late Friday night or Saturday morning.

The Giants also played host to Seahawks defensive tackle Rocky Bernard last night. Cowboys defensive lineman (and Bronx product) Chris Canty is due in today, and Cardinals defensive lineman Antonio Smith might visit early next week. Both Canty and Smith played defensive end in 3-4 defenses, but would likely convert to tackle in the Giants' 4-3 scheme.

The surprising interest in defensive tackles could be a sign the Giants are worried about the way Barry Cofield and Fred Robbins wore down late last season. Both players recently underwent knee surgery, and Robbins, who will be 32 in March, battled hand and shoulder injuries as well.

A source familiar with Bernard's plans said it was possible the 6-3, 308-pounder, who will be 30 in April, could sign with the Giants Saturday. The 26-year-old Canty (6-7, 304) also was very interested, even postponing a visit to Tennessee
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Interesting that they were heavily in on Haynesworth ...

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MrHat

I really know next to nothing about Boley...anyone have any thoughts?

I'm not a huge fan of Smith, but I do like Canty and Bernard. Both guys are absolute loads who can also rush the passer a bit from the DT spot.

NYRomy

Giants signed Bernard as well and are still looking at bringing Canty in. Reese is building a BEAST of a defense.

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NickPapagiorgio

Yeah I know next to nothing about this guy, but Reese has definitely earned the benefit of the doubt. I wonder if their focus on defense (other than Jacobs) means that they think that Plaxico will be back next year. Either that or they expect to get a decent WR in the draft.

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dak11

Boley lost his starting job last year on the Falcons.

In the previous 2 seasons he was pretty decent. He's a little undersized for the strong side but has been productive there in the past and is known more as a cover LB then a big run stopper.

What he does do is give the Giants flexibility since he can play both outside LB spots.

dak11

The Giants have 10 picks in the draft and won't be able to keep all those rookies on the roster for the season.

Expect them to use a few of those picks in attempts to make some trades and move up in the draft.

86mets

Didn't know Boley was benched..Maybe the LB the Cowboys signed from Falcons would have been better..but I beleive he is INSIDE LB..certainly seeems like a tackling machine..but is alot older..but as has been said Reese HAS EARNED the benefit of the doubt..

Keith Brooking - Dallas Cowboys - NFL - Yahoo! Sports

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dak11

Didn't say he was benched, said he was removed as the starter. He essentially became a 3rd down LB with the Falcons towards the end of the season primarily because of a conflict with the coach.

He's also had a run in with the cops when he was accused of beating his wife. Dont' know if charges were ever brought against him for it.

Ultimately he's a good pickup. He'll play the WILL (instead of the strong side) per Coughlin and will be used in coverage and rushing the passer based on his speed. He's also been a big special teams contributor so you also fill a need there.

Bernards a good signing too for depth. DT is/was a need position and if they continue to work on signing Canty (reports have them talking deal with Canty in NY) I think we'll see Kiwanuka moved back to LB even though it was stated a week or so ago that he'll remain at DE. Just too much talent on the D-line to constantly rotate everyone. Biggest stumbling block with Canty is he wants 8 mil per year while the Giants only want to spend 6.

While none of these guys are great, they offer nice depth, fill needs, and will allow the Giants to continue drafting the BPA in April.

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(on edit)

I also saw some things posted that Canty's signing could be a red flag that Cofield or Robbins knee issues are worse then thought, one of them might not start the season on time or won't play at all, and/or that they're considering releasing the 32 year old Robbins after he just had knee surgery.

NickPapagiorgio

Keith Brooking is done. I would have taken him 5 years ago but not now.

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86mets

100+ tackle last year..hard to say that player = DONE..but I don't watch him play..he played every game....

as far as Benching of Boley goes...symantics..in NFL..you can't AFFORD to waste roster spot by BENCHING a player per say everydown...so you use him sparingly in other areas..guess the technical correct word is DEMOTED....same as with LITO for Jets..benched meant..used as nickle back..but at least eagles had other players better(?)..but with Falcons....suprised he wasn't considered better than what they had starting..and the contract that they gave him suggests he is a "Bonafide starter" <shrug>.

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Fonzy13

Agree with Nick, Brooking five years ago, he's about toast now.

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