NY Giants sign Joe Looney, adding potential difference maker up front

The NY Giants signed former Dallas Cowboys interior lineman Joe Looney, adding a major piece, and veteran leadership to the offensive line

The NY Giants made a major move bolstering veteran depth along the offensive line, signing former Dallas Cowboys center Joe Looney Saturday.

“That due can play,” offensive line expert Duke Manyweather tells FanSided. “The thing about Looney is, that guy is consistent. I’m shocked the Cowboys didn’t resign him.”

Looney, 30, reunites with former Cowboys head coach Jason Garrett with the NY Giants, one year removed from allowing just three sacks in 764 offensive snaps, lining up at center as well as right guard.

How Joe Looney fits along NY Giants’ offensive line

Shane Lemieux’s injury this week, though not expected to be severe, likely hastened the NY Giants’ decision to sign Looney, but the fact that he only allowed three pressures and produced a 50.7 overall grade from Pro Football Focus last season likely moved him to the top of the organization’s list.

Looney likely will provide depth along all three interior positions, and could ultimately push Nick Gates for the starting center job.

“He’s a good player,” an NFC personnel executive tells FanSided. “He’s really solid when he has good linemen around him.”

It remains to be seen if the NY Giants have a strong offensive line, but adding Looney to the fold is a major step in that direction.

Matt Lombardo is FanSided’s National NFL Insider and writes Between The Hash Marks each Wednesday. Email Matt: Matt.Lombardo@FanSided.com.