Jerry Gets His Man, Giants Start Free Agency on a Rolle

As we have learned throughout Jerry Reese’s tenure as Giants GM, when Jerry brings in a free agent he wants, Jerry gets his man.

Antrel Rolle received a 5 year deal, $15 million guaranteed, $37 million total contract, to become the Giants new free safety.

The Good: The Giants grab a young, talented, in his prime safety who has shown a knack for making big plays down the field, which is exactly what the Giants needed heading into the 2010 season (Yes, the Giants still need to resolve issues at middle linebacker), but this is a good start. Did Jerry Reese overpay? Perhaps, but when you consider that the Giants over-paid for a guy just coming into his own rather than on the downside of his career, this signing smells pretty good.

Also consider the guaranteed money given to other guys (30 something year old Aaron Kampman pocketed $11 million guaranteed to go to Jacksonville, and he was coming off of major reconstructive knee surgery, this signing looks even better). Sure, Kampman is a pass rush guy and pass rush guys get paid, but Rolle will have every opportunity to become a star for the G-men. Oh yeah, and Rolle fills a hole as big as the Grand Canyon in the Giants defense. Score one for Jerry!

With the news that David Carr has flown the coup to compete out west for the backup job for the 49ers, the Giants are now turning their attention to a suitable backup.

Names like Mark Brunell do not inspire confidence, I would absolutely prefer Jeff Garcia. Yes, Garcia is also 40, a bit whiny, and not a long term solution at the backup position, but he can still win games on the fly, I’ll take it.

Still no word on whether Jerry is looking at Kirk Morrison of the Raiders, but I have to think he will at least place a call to Al Davis (and if Davis is aware that phone technology works, perhaps that call can be productive. Offer Davis a 4th round pick in 2011 and get it done)!

Overall, a good start to the re-shaping of the Giants defense, but more work to do Blue!