Giants Sign Byron Stingily
- The Giants have signed tackle Byron Stingily, as Michael Eisen of Giants.com writes. Stingily played in 20 games with nine starts for Tennessee from 2012-14 but was waived at the end of training camp in 2015. He landed with Pittsburgh in October, but he did not appear in a game for them.
Giants Sign Bobby Rainey
MONDAY, 10:40am: The Giants’ deal with Rainey is now official, according to a team release.
SUNDAY, 4:48pm: The Giants are set to sign running back Bobby Rainey, as Rainey himself reported on Instagram (h/t to Paul Schwartz of the New York Post). Rainey was a participant in a recent round of New York veteran tryouts, which apparently went well enough for the veteran back to be offered a contract.
The 28-year-old Rainey entered the league as an undrafted free agent in 2012, spending time with both the Ravens and Browns before latching on with the Buccaneers, the club with which he’s had the most NFL success. In 11 starts with Tampa Bay between 2013-14, Rainey rushed for nearly 1,000 yards and scored six touchdowns, adding another 300+ yards via 44 receptions. His offensive role dwindled in 2015, as he saw only five carries, but he was a key cog on special teams, where he played on more than 60% of Tampa’s snaps.
Rainey, who also worked out for the Dolphins before agreeing to terms with the Giants, will join a busy New York backfield that also includes Rashad Jennings, Shane Vereen, Andre Williams, and Orleans Darkwa. The Giants have also been rumored as a potential first-round landing spot for Ohio State running back Ezekiel Elliott, and given that Rainey is unlikely to carve out a role as a third-down pass catcher (Vereen has that covered), his best bet to earning a roster spot might be continuing to star on special teams duty.
Giants Sign Kelvin Sheppard
MONDAY, 10:38am: The Giants have officially signed Sheppard, the team confirmed today in a press release.
SUNDAY, 11:19am: The Giants will sign free agent linebacker Kelvin Sheppard, according to a tweet from Sheppard himself. Big Blue had brought Sheppard in for a visit last week.
Sheppard was drafted by the Bills in the third round of the 2011 draft and appeared in all 32 regular season games for Buffalo from 2011-12, including seven starts in his rookie campaign and 15 starts in the 2012 season. 2012 was Sheppard’s most productive year as a pro, as he racked up 80 tackles to go along with a pair of sacks for Buffalo. He was then traded to the Colts in exchange for Jerry Hughes, and he spent the 2014 and 2015 seasons with the Dolphins on a pair of one-year contracts.
Pro Football Focus’ grades (subscription required) suggest Sheppard has typically fared better against the pass than the run, scoring much better in pass coverage and as a pass rusher than as a run stopper. He will serve as useful linebacker depth for the Giants, who were also interested in Nathan Stupar before he ultimately signed with the Saints.
Photo courtesy of USA Today Sports Images.
Giants Unlikely To Add Older FAs
- There are a number of free agents still available that might help the Giants address their remaining needs, but as Paul Schwartz of The New York Post writes, GM Jerry Reese is likely to continue ignoring free agents who may have another season or two left in the tank but who are otherwise past their prime, like Anquan Boldin, Owen Daniels, and Nate Chandler.
Myles White Signs ERFA Tender
- Lions running back George Winn signed his ERFA tender and will return to Detroit for the 2016 season, the team announced today (via Twitter). Aaron Wilson of the Houston Chronicle adds (via Twitter) Dolphins safety Shamiel Gary and Giants wide receiver Myles White to the list of ERFAs to formally sign their tenders.
Giants Tried Out Bobby Rainey, Jaiquawn Jarrett
- According to Aaron Wilson (Twitter link), the Giants recently tried out a handful of veteran free agents, including running back Bobby Rainey and defensive back Jaiquawn Jarrett.
Leonte Carroo To Attend Giants' Local Day
- In addition to attending local workouts for the Jets and Giants, Rutgers wideout Leonte Carroo is paying visits to the Dolphins and Patriots, a source tells Aaron Wilson of the National Football Post. Carroo had an explosive college career, averaging 19.5 yards per reception and racking up 29 touchdowns over the last three seasons.
Will Johnson Contract Details
- Will Johnson, FB (Giants): Two years, $2.3MM. $400K signing bonus. $100K of $800K 2016 salary is guaranteed. $100K roster bonus due on third day of 2017 league year. Up to $600K in incentives for playing time, receptions, and Pro Bowl (Twitter links).
Patriots Sign Markus Kuhn
The Patriots continue to fortify their defensive line, importing another free agent from the NFC East. Former Giants defensive tackle Markus Kuhn, who said farewell to Big Blue in an Instagram post earlier today, revealed his new team in a separate post on Instagram, publishing a photo of himself as he signed a new contract with the Pats.
“I could [not] be more proud to be part of such a great organization!” Kuhn said in his Instagram post. “Hard work always pays off!”
Kuhn, who will turn 30 next month, spent the first four years of his NFL career in New York after being selected by the Giants in the final round of the 2012 draft. He has played a rotational role for the club in recent years, appearing in 24 games (eight starts) in 2014 and 2015. Over the course of those two seasons, the German defender compiled 39 tackles, 1.5 sacks, and a pair of fumble recoveries, including one he returned for a touchdown.
According to Jordan Raanan of NJ.com, even after their free agent spending spree last month, the Giants offered Kuhn the opportunity to return to New York as a reserve, but he elected to sign elsewhere. Kuhn joins a New England squad that recently added former Washington defensive linemen Terrance Knighton and Frank Kearse, as well as ex-Rams defensive end Chris Long.
Photo courtesy of USA Today Sports Images.
Jasper Brinkley Contract Details
- Jasper Brinkley, LB (Giants): One year, $1.8MM. $1.2MM base salary is guaranteed. $500K roster bonus paid on April 1. $100K workout bonus. Up to $500K in incentives for playing time (Twitter link)