New York Giants Sign Safety Sammy Knight: The Giants have signed 32-year old unrestricted free agent SS Sammy Knight (Jacksonville Jaguars). The deal is reportedly a 3-year, $5.15 million contract that includes a $1.25 million signing bonus.
The Star-Ledger is reporting that a “person familiar with Knight’s contract” says Knight has been told he will be a starter.
“We’re excited to have a veteran of Sammy’s caliber joining our secondary,” said General Manager Jerry Reese. “We were attracted to how smart he plays and how productive and physical he plays. We think he will thrive in our defensive schemes. He brings a lot of leadership to the team, especially to the secondary, and he is a real pro.”
“Sammy Knight is a durable, physical player with 42 career interceptions,” said Head Coach Tom Coughlin. “He comes to the line of scrimmage extremely well. He’s a smart player who gets everybody lined up. He played in Kansas City for (Defensive Backs/Cornerbacks Coach) Peter Giunta, so we know all about the quality of the man. We feel like with his love of the game and his attitude about the idea of team that he’ll be a real nice fit for us. Sammy gives us another quality veteran who will definitely help our young guys in their development.”
“I think this is a great situation for me,” said Knight. “This is a great staff, first and foremost, and a great organization. They won the Super Bowl, and they have a lot of people coming back, so the opportunity to win again was definitely one of the determining factors in me coming here.”
“I did a great job for Jacksonville and we talked to them, but ultimately, this was a better place for me,” Knight said. “I felt like I had a better chance to win here.”
Knight also played with CB Sam Madison for two seasons in Miami. “Playing with Sam is great – he’s an intense corner, a physical corner,” Knight said. “He’s the kind of guy that’s going to raise the level of play of everybody. I love playing with him.”
Knight has 42 career interceptions. “That’s been one of the things that I’ve done, and hopefully I can do that here,” said Knight. “I’m sure the way this system is, it will allow me to do that. I look forward to doing that.”
Giants Considering QB Trent Green: According to Newsday‘s NFL blog, the Giants are considering pursuing unrestricted free agent QB Trent Green, who was released by the Miami Dolphins earlier this offseason. According to the blog, the Giants’ concern is not over the severe concussions Green has received the last couple of years, but over his arm strength. The Daily News‘ Giants blog says the Giants have not set up a visit with Green yet.
Giants’ Interest in LB Clark Haggans “Lukewarm”: According to The Star-Ledger‘s Giants blog, the Giants’ interest in unrestricted free agent LB Clark Haggans is “lukewarm”.