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QB Sorgi signs with Giants after all

March 09, 2010 , ι By PAUL SCHWARTZ

Jim Sorgi was signed to a one-year contract by the Giants to do for them what he previously did for the Colts: Serve as backup quarterback to a Manning."I am as excited about working with Eli as I am... Read on

Jim Sorgi was signed to a one-year contract by the Giants to do for them what he previously did for the Colts: Serve as backup quarterback to a Manning.
	 
"I am as excited about working with Eli as I am sad about leaving Peyton,'' Sorgi said. "I look forward to working with Eli and helping him any way I can. I have been fortunate to work with Peyton, who has one of the greatest minds in the game.''
	 
The Giants believe at least some of that brainpower rubbed off on Sorgi.
	 
"Jim demonstrated in the meeting room with our coaches that he is very sharp and a very good student of the game, which you would expect after spending six years backing up Peyton,'' Tom Coughlin said.
	 
The Giants jumped quickly on this one, bringing Sorgi in for a visit on Monday, the same day their backup the past two years, David Carr, signed with the 49ers. What makes this move surprising is that Sorgi's agent, Matt Brei, following Sorgi's workout and physical examination said the Giants had concerns about Sorgi's right shoulder. Sorgi, 29, finished up last season on injured reserve with tendonitis in the shoulder and Brei added that the Giants thought Sorgi should have had surgery to repair a partially-torn labrum.
	 
Brei said Sorgi's shoulder checked out with two renowned shoulder specialists, Dr. James Andrews in Alabama and Dr. Lewis Yocum in Los Angeles. The Giants doctors spoke with Andrews, received the answered they needed and Sorgi was able to pass the Giants physical.
	 
“I thought my workout was excellent and my shoulder felt great,” Sorgi said. “I just need to continue to work on maintenance with it, but I want to be a player the Giants can count on to get the job done if need be.''
	 
Technically, Sorgi will compete with second-year Rhett Bomar for the backup job but it's Sorgi's spot. Bomar spent the majority of his rookie season on the practice squad.
	 
Backing up Peyton Manning – and Eli, for that matter – means you never play. Sorgi never started a game in six years and in his NFL career has completed 99 of 156 passes for 929 yards, six touchdowns and one interception, all in reserve action.
	 
*
	 
Rhys Lloyd, a kickoff specialist from the Panthers, signed Monday night with the Vikings, a day before he was scheduled to work out for the Giants. Lloyd's agent, Frank Murtha, told The Post the Giants "aggressively pursued'' Lloyd.

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Sorgi works out for Giants, contract not likely; Robbins signs with Rams

March 08, 2010 , ι By PAUL SCHWARTZ

Jim Sorgi worked out this morning for the Giants and then was sent for a physical examination, according to his agent, Matt Brei. Sorgi, following the exam was supposed to head back to the training... Read on

Jim Sorgi worked out this morning for the Giants and then was sent for a physical examination, according to his agent, Matt Brei.
	 
Sorgi, following the exam was supposed to head back to the training facility to meet with the Giants coaches, but what started out as a promising visit ended without any contract offer.
	 
The Giants did not like what they saw in the physical. Sorgi ended last season on injured reserve with a shoulder problem and apparently the tendinitis in the shoulder precluded the Giants from making an offer. Sorgi, Peyton Manning's backup with the Colts, will not be serving that same role for younger brother Eli Manning.
	 
Sorgi could be re-visited sometime down the road but more likely the Giants will turn their attention elsewhere to find a replacement for David Carr, who left after two seasons to sign with the 49ers.
	 
Veterans Jeff Garcia and Mark Brunell are the most experienced options on the market but the Giants may try to finder a younger quarterback to bring in.
	 
*
	 
DT Fred Robbins signed a three-year, $12 million deal with the Rams. The Giants had no interest in re-signing Robbins, who was an unrestricted free agent, but he obviously had value to Steve Spagnuolo, the Rams head coach who previously was the Giants defensive coordinator.

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Report: Rams sign Giants DL Robbins

March 08, 2010 , ι POST STAFF REPORT

Defensive tackle Fred Robbins is leaving the Giants to reunite with Steve Spagnuolo on the Rams.ESPN.com reports Robbins will sign a three-year deal worth up to $12 million to play for the former... Read on

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Carr headed to 49ers; Sorgi working out for Giants

March 07, 2010 , ι By PAUL SCHWARTZ

This one wasn't too difficult to figure. The Giants need a new backup quarterback and the Colts last week released Jim Sorgi, who backed up Peyton Manning the past six years. Peyton rings younger... Read on

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Giants sign safety for 5 years, $37 million

March 05, 2010 , ι By PAUL SCHWARTZ

The Giants bruised, battered and beaten defense got better Friday night with the signing of free safety Antrel Rolle.The addition of an athletic player with coverage and playmaking skills doesn’t... Read on

The Giants bruised, battered and beaten defense got better Friday night with the signing of free safety Antrel Rolle.
	 
The addition of an athletic player with coverage and playmaking skills doesn’t fill all the cracks in a shattered unit, but it’s a heck of a start. Rolle visited the Giants’ training complex, met with team officials, took a physical then waited as his agent, Drew Rosenhaus, hammered out a five-year, $37 million deal — the most ever for a safety — including $15 million in guaranteed money.
	 
Rolle was released Thursday by the Cardinals and instantly became the top target for the Giants. He reportedly turned down a six-year, $38.6 million offer to stay in Arizona and was seeking a contract averaging $8 million per year. The Dolphins are believed to have made a five-year offer in the $35 million range. But when the Dolphins signed linebacker Karlos Dansby, they dropped out of the running for Rolle, leaving the Giants and Cardinals to battle for his services.
	 
As a 2005 first-round pick, Rolle couldn't cut it as a cornerback and at first struggled with his shift to free safety, although he was much-improved this past season. The 27-year-old will make a hit and as a former corner can be used in coverage against slot receivers, a valuable asset. As the last line of defense he at times has been beaten deep and he does not have great speed. Word out of Arizona is that he plays hard for the full 60 minutes. He has a nose for the ball and is dangerous when he gets his hands on it.
	 
The Giants liked what they saw from Rolle on Oct. 25. He had an interception off Eli Manning to wrap up the Cardinals 24-17 victory. In addition, Rolle also took a snap as a Wildcat quarterback. He's not big (6-foot, 208) but extremely athletic and supposedly can throw the ball 90 yards.
	 
The Cardinals wanted to keep Rolle but they wouldn't give him the $8 million per year they're paying their other safety, Adrian Wilson. Rolle was released after the Cardinals opted not to pay Rolle a $4 million bonus he was due on top of his 2010 salary of $8.1 million.
	 
The plan is for Rolle to be paired with Kenny Phillips to form a young, athletic former Miami Hurricanes starting safety duo, with little in reserve at the position with Michael Johnson, Aaron Rouse and restricted free agent C.C. Brown all coming off rough seasons. Phillips, though, is coming off micro-fracture left knee surgery to help in the healing process of patella femoral arthritis. The Giants need insurance in case Phillips can’t make a complete recovery, furthering the need to import a playmaking safety.

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Reports: Dansby signs with Dolphins; Brackett stays with Colts

March 05, 2010 , ι POST STAFF REPORT

Free agent linebacker Karlos Dansby, who for more than a year has talked about playing in New York, has signed with the Dolphins, according to various reportsThe NFL Network's Steve Wyche used his... Read on

Free agent linebacker Karlos Dansby, who for more than a year has talked about playing in New York, has signed with the Dolphins, according to various reports
	 
The NFL Network's Steve Wyche
	 used his Twitter page to say, "Dansby agrees with Dolphins: 5 years, $43 million, $22 guaranteed."
	 
Earlier Friday, Dansby told the Washington Post he was in no rush to sign anywhere.
	 
"My gate is wide open right now," Dansby
	 told writer Jason Reid. "I'm going to take every visit. I'm going in to every team to see what type of piece of the puzzle will I be.
	 
"I want to fit in just right. I want to be in a perfect situation and do my part. That's what I'm looking for in these organizations. I'm still waiting on my agent to text me back about [visits] as we speak, but Miami is definitely one of 'em right now. I'm going to go down there to see how I would fit in Miami."
	 
Earlier this offseason, Dansby listed the Giants, Dolphins, Redskins and Chargers as possible landing spots. Last offseason, Dansby said how much he would like to play in New York.
	 
The Giants are looking to replace released Antonio Pierce. One possible option, Colts LB Gary Brackett, also no longer exists. The former Rutgers player
	 has re-signed with Indianapolis.

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Giants will watch free agent Rolle

March 04, 2010 , ι By PAUL SCHWARTZ

A name to watch for the Giants as free agency kicks off: Antrel Rolle.Actually, based on the fact that Rolle today was released by the Cardinals, no one has to wait until 12:01 a.m. to inquire about... Read on

A name to watch for the Giants as free agency kicks off: Antrel Rolle.
	 
Actually, based on the fact that Rolle today was released by the Cardinals, no one has to wait until 12:01 a.m. to inquire about his services. Rolle has hit the open market, where he's sure to be a featured attraction.
	 
Why not? Rolle is 27 years old and has a pedigree, the No. 8 pick in the 2005 NFL Draft. He's a converted cornerback, meaning he has excellent coverage skills for a free safety. He played in the Pro Bowl last month, but was due a $4 million bonus and scheduled for a 2010 salary of $8.1 million.
	 
The Cardinals could not justify spending more than $12 million on Rolle and so they cut him loose, hoping in the near future to be able to sign him to a long-term deal.
	 
More likely, Rolle will make visits and sign elsewhere. The Dolphins are expected to have a great deal of interest, as they struggled last season in coverage with former Giants safety Gibril Wilson in the lineup.
	 
The Giants are also in need of a safety, with the only player on the roster who can be counted on is Kenny Phillips, and he is coming off major knee surgery, so from a physical standpoint he really can't be counted on until he proves otherwise.
	 
Rolle has 12 career interceptions and four touchdown returns.

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Giants tender 9 of 11 free agents

March 04, 2010 , ι By PAUL SCHWARTZ

The Giants today confirmed what has already been reported, that they tendered one-year contracts to nine of their 11 restricted free agents: DT Barry Cofield, WR Domenik Hixon, DE Dave Tollefson, WR... Read on

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Giants backup Carr to visit 49ers

March 03, 2010 , ι By PAUL SCHWARTZ

It is clear the Giants are most likely going to need a new backup quarterback. David Carr filled that role the past two years but he's in demand as one of the most attractive quarterbacks on the... Read on

It is clear the Giants are most likely going to need a new backup quarterback.
	 
David Carr filled that role the past two years but he's in demand as one of the most attractive quarterbacks on the market.
	 
His first visit this weekend will be to San Francisco, where the Bakersfield, Calif. native will meet with the 49ers. The Cardinals also are interested in the former No. 1 overall pick (Texans).
	 
There's not much for the Giants to choose from as a backup, with Chris Redman re-signing with the Falcons and A.J. Feely signing with the Rams.
	 
The options include Mark Brunell, Jeff Garcia, Patrick Ramsey, Kyle Boller, Todd Collins, J.P. Losman and Kellen Clemens.
	 
Eli Manning and Rhett Bomar are the other quarterbacks on the Giants roster.
	 
Alex Smith is the 49ers starter. Matt Leinart is the likely starter in Arizona after Kurt Warner's retirement.

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Giants should pass on Peppers

March 03, 2010 , ι By PAUL SCHWARTZ

Should the Giants be interested in Julius Peppers? Do they even need him? If they want him does it mean Osi Umenyiora must go? With the start of NFL free agency arriving at 12:01 a.m. Friday morning,... Read on

Should the Giants be interested in Julius Peppers?
	 
Do they even need him?
	 
If they want him does it mean Osi Umenyiora must go?
	 
With the start of NFL free agency arriving at 12:01 a.m. Friday morning, Peppers figures to be one of the most high-profile and coveted players to ever hit the open market. A pass-rushing defensive end is right behind franchise quarterback when it comes to building a successful team and few fit that description better than Peppers. He's played the past eight years for the Panthers and accumulated 81 career sacks. The Panthers opted not to hit Peppers with the franchise tag, unwilling to pay the $21.4 million for one season that the tag would cost for Peppers.
	 
On WFAN this morning it was stated that the Giants are gearing up for a quick-strike seven-year offer to Peppers in excess of $100 million. When informed of that claim, a source with knowledge of the Giants free agency plans said "There is nothing to it.''
	 
Breaking the bank for Peppers doesn’t really make sense for the Giants, as any deal for him might include $40 million in guaranteed money. Peppers might command $18 million per season. These are numbers that make any team swallow hard, even with the knowledge that 2010 is shaping up to be the first NFL season since 1993 without a salary cap.
	 
Sure, the Giants last year quietly made an $80 million offer for defensive tackle Albert Haynesworth, a mega-deal that wasn't close to the seven-year, $100 million contract he signed with the Redskins. The deal included an NFL-record $41 million in guaranteed money. For that investment, the Redskins got little from Haynesworth in another non-playoff season, a warning for any team willing to spend excessively for one player.
	 
On some levels the Giants might be inclined to make a huge play for Peppers. He's a 6-7, 283-pound physical specimen who despite turning 30 in January has shown no signs of slowing down. He's coming off a 10 1/2-sack season and regularly plays in almost every game every season. The Giants are coming off a horrendous season, allowing the second-most points in franchise history and their much-hyped defensive line was terrible and did not come close to living up to all the pre-season noise about the dominance it would show.
	 
But this is not a case of simply signing Peppers and moving him into a vacant spot on the defensive line. Despite the dramatic lack of production in 2009, defensive end remains a crowded and talented position for the Giants, with Osi Umenyiora, Justin Tuck and Mathias Kiwanuka forming a potentially-formidable rotation. Nothing went right last season, as Tuck played virtually the entire year with a partially torn labrum in his shoulder and Umenyiora struggled to return to form after missing the 2008 season because of knee surgery.
	 
Umenyiora is one year further removed from that surgery and should be stronger, although his mental makeup can be questioned. He was benched down the stretch of last season because of his sluggish work against the run, a demotion that wounded him deeply. He's threatened to retire rather than come off the bench again, which of course won’t happen. Tom Coughlin insists Umenyiora is a large part of the team but he would not guarantee him a return to a starting job, saying all players must earn their role. Umenyiora might be disgruntled enough to force a trade.
	 
With Umenyiora, Tuck and Kiwanuka all on board opening the vault for Peppers doesn’t make sense, unless other changes are in the works. Kiwanuka could be moved back to strong side linebacker, a spot he played two years ago. More unlikely, Tuck could be moved inside to defensive tackle, a spot he fills in most third-down situations. The Giants certainly could use another strong defensive tackle – they aren't re-signing Fred Robbins – but there's no way Tuck would be happy with such a move.
	 
Plus, Peppers has a reputation for being physically gifted but not always playing as hard as he can. He's rarely been described as a high-motor player on a consistent basis. Buyer beware in this case.

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About the Author

PAUL SCHWARTZ Paul Schwartz has been the Post’s Giants beat writer since 1994. He’s also covered the Nets, Knicks and college basketball. Author of "Tales From the New York Giants Sideline," Paul is a SUNY-Albany graduate.