New York Giants Re-Sign Punter Jeff Feagles: The Giants have re-signed P Jeff Feagles, who turns 42 next month, to a 2-year contract. Feagles, if he had not retired, was scheduled to become an unrestricted free agent next month. 2008 will be Feagles’ 21st season in the NFL.
“I still have some years left in me and I think I proved it this year,” said Feagles in written press release. “And I just love being on this team now. I can’t say enough about the organization, either. The decision was really a matter of if the team wanted to sign me back, and they did, and I wanted to play, and then it was just a matter of getting together, working some numbers, and then doing it.”
Feagles said he would have retired had he not re-signed with the Giants. “I am excited because I love this team,” Feagles said. “I love my teammates, I love the coaches, I love playing for this organization, and I love playing football. That is probably why I am doing what I am doing. It sounds a lot easier than it is, because I still have to stay in shape and I have to go through training camp and I have to go through that stuff. But for the most part, if I can physically stay with it, which I think I can because of my training regimen, I can get through that.”
In the 2007 regular season, Feagles punted 71 times with a 40.4-yard gross and a 36.0-yard net average. Feagles also placed 25 punts inside the 20-yard line. Feagles’ value to the special teams was increased as the holder for field goals and extra points with two rookie long-snappers.
“We are happy to have Jeff back for a couple more years,” said General Manager Jerry Reese. “He is a tremendous person and football player. Jeff is the captain of our special teams and has great leadership ability. He really did a special job handling the two rookie snappers and the young kicker.”
“Jeff is the best directional punter of all time,” said Reese. “This guy can eliminate the opponent’s punt returner. He is a pro’s pro.”
The Giants will likely bring in another punter in camp merely not to overwork Feagles. “The first couple (of training camps) we didn’t bring another punter to camp and that took a little bit of a toll,” said Feagles. “But I think they have learned that they need to have somebody else there, and that has literally helped me. They don’t have to worry. I think that is one comfort that the team has is that they don’t have to worry about that. They know that I am going to do what I have to do to get ready and I will be there on opening day no matter what.”
Tynes Will Sign His New Contract Next Week?: The Bergen Record is reporting that PK Lawrence Tynes, who is scheduled to be an unrestricted free agent next month, will sign his new 5-year, $7 million contract next week.