New York Giants: Jonathan Casillas Bolsters Up Special Teams
By John Tolis
Before this year’s free agency began, the New York Giants main concern was defense and how to improve it. They have some holes to fill in, but are off to a good start filling them. As of a few hours ago, the Giants signed former New England Patriots linebacker and special teams starter Jonathan Casillas. With Casillas on board, the Giants have snatched up two players from the Patriots along with Shane Vereen; the Giants free agency seems to be moving along.
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Casillas was part of the 2009 New Orleans Saints who were crowned Super Bowl winners and the current Superbowl Champions, the Patriots. The New Jersey native will fit right at home with the boys in blue along with Jon Beason, Jameel McClain and Devon Kennard. Casillas is known to be a specialist for coverage teams and is believed to be a major piece for the Giants’ special teams.
With McClain on the market though, Casillas could do more than special teams and possibly start at linebacker. He plays the weakside and no one else other than Jacquain Williams has the ability to play that area, but Williams is most likely a goner to the free agent market. The Giants made a smart choice on Casillas as their special teams is definitely improved with him. Casillas was brought in on a three year, $10.5 million contract, so it’s likely he’ll get a lot of playing time if the Giants invested that much on him.
The Wisconsin player will no doubt bring some experience to the team as he has two rings to show for it. He also won’t have the hassle of getting used to a team mid-season as that was the case last year when he got traded from the Tampa Bay Buccaneers to the Patriots. Casillas is a fresh face that has the potential to fix the Giants’ lack of special teams talent and could be a major help in the linebacker position.
Even though free agency just started, it’s so far so good for the Gmen. They’ve made two solid signings and spending their money wisely. They’re definitely not finished as they have major gaps in their defense and by the way things are looking, they’ll get it done.
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