The Giants aren't exactly hurting for money. They need to be competitive to win. It costs a fortune to be a ticket holder and they and the city deserve the best they can get.
I think Rolle is an excellent move. He is a quality safety and only three years out of school which means he is young. He will get better and he made all pro last year. The Giants would have had to spend a lot to get a quality safety in the draft and that along with the elimination of Pierce saved a lot of money. This move also allows the Giants to focus on Linebacker,Defensive line and offensive line in the draft. If Phiilips can play this goes from a disfunctional secondary to near the top. Rolle was the first round pick of Arizona three years ago and that experience is priceless. I don't know if he is better than Robinson,Cromartie but I stand as saying he is.He is also smart,and wants to play here.
One thing you didn't mention Andy is what defense Fewell will play. If it is the Tampa Two then a playmaking safety is a must. I believe Rolle has that potential.
I agree that salaries are absurd as are ticket prices and the cost of a movie,a N.Y. Deli sandwhich,a college education and health care.
As long as the public pays for seats and now the surcharge and t.v. pays the big bucks the spiral goes on. I pass no moral judgements but this,in my opinion was an excellent move.

great news to wake up to, thanks for that andy....i agree with andy, wonder, peter, let's just be happy for a moment about the signing...i am taking a moment....

okay back....i have heard some people talking about signing bullick, not sure where that stands, but even with such a signing we need to concentrate on drafting two LB's....we kind of know the list of who they might be, so i won't get into that...I like Sintim and I hope he develops, but at this point I do not count on him as someone who can start at the middle or on the outside...i think he can be a quality reserve, and provide us some nice pass rush ability up the pocket or on the edge...situational....if he develops into more great...

do you guys think the giants intend to keep the existing corps of safeties who presumably would be reserves if Kenny p comes back healthy? CC Brown, Michael Johnson, Rouse? we know Bill Sheridan payed the price for last season, but are any players going to pay the price (i guess dockery has)? Do we still go after Sharper or draft another safety (probably a strong safety or one who can play either safety) just as protection?

Good for Mara to pony up to the bar after Rolle fell out of the sky. Giants got very lucky--a four year starter instead of a one-year stopgap (Sharper). There is less urgency to find a safety in the draft, but it should still be a priority, as the team will have to carry at least four safeties on the roster because of Phillips' knee. Rouse maybe can be number four, but nobody wants CC Brown around. The extra roster spot for a safety will make it tough to carry three quarterbacks. Is Bomar ready to be the backup? I'd be happy to see David Carr get a shot at starting in Arizona or SanFran, lord knows he's earned it, but hate to leave Bomar on the practice squad again. He's the future.

Speaking of Arizona, they are losing talent fast which is good for the Giants. With Warner's retirement they have become a team that free agents who want a ring will avoid.

Just because Parcells signed Dansby doesn't mean the Dolphins won't go after McClain. The Giants should follow their lead and sign Morrison for protection, then draft best available defensive players.

Finally, some good news.

If Rolle stays healthy, teams will not be able to exploit us. ie Sean Payton

"What I love about those types of coaches is once they find a weakness or a matchup they can exploit, they're going to go after it until you prove you can stop it. Then once you stop it, they'll have a counter-punch, " said Johnston, who is working as the analyst on today's Fox broadcast. "One game where I really saw that was the New York game (when the Saints gained 493 yards in a 48-27 rout in Week 6, repeatedly attacking safety C.C. Brown in particular). I liked what he did from a design standpoint to create windows in the Giants' defense, and very subtle things he did with his offensive line. He knew what the defensive principles of the Giants were, and he used that against them. Some of those plays were fun to watch.

Not fun for Giants fans, Moose!

http://www.nola.com/saints/index.ssf/2010/01/new_orleans_saints_coach_sean_56.html

just testing

Mitch here under a new moniker. Hopefully my PC problems are over and this comment reaches the blog.

By signing Rolle, the Giants managed to get a young (27), multi-faceted (he plays safety and corner, and can return punts and kickoffs) weapon without giving up a single draft pick.

These are the NFL Defensive Rookies Of The Year since 2000:

2000: Brian Urlacher (LB)
2001: Kendrell Bell (LB)
2002: Julius Peppers (DE)
2003: Terrel Suggs (LB)
2004: Jonathan Vilma (LB)
2005: Shawn Merriman (LB)
2006: Demeco Ryans (LB)
2007: Patrick Willis (LB)
2008: Jerod Mayo (LB)
2009: Brian Cushing (LB

Nine out of the last 10!!! I think it is clear how we address the draft in 2010! Package picks, move up and get Rolando McClain!!!

Pete- I would not be surprised if Fewell is still putting his defensive system together. As an example, having Rolle vs having Sharper vs having nothing... that has to affect what you can do and how you scheme. A lot of plays just got added back to the playbook!

irish- Wonder L-O-V-E-S Bulluck. I do not see it happening because the Giants would see his age and go the opposite direction. I would only do it as a 1 year deal, and you know Bulluck wants more than 1 year.

Bukka- great points about the Dolphins still eyeing LBers (Rule #4) and more importantly, how we still need to be going after Safety in the draft.

Glenn- when I see your comment, I think that Reese had meetings with Mara and told him: I know your money is important, but we have little choice but to go after Rolle, because we will get ripped apart again without a healthy Phillips.

Mitch- Welcome back my friend to the show that never ends... What that list says is that it is very hard to make an impact as a rookie playing at Def Line and Secondary. There are too many physical issues these young kids face at line, and too many mental/technique/assignment issues they face in the backfield. LBers (and RBs) play on so much instinct.

Andy,

In their day, both Reese and Fewell played defensive back. Based on what took place last season, I am sure you are correct. Conversations took place between the coaches and management ie Coughlin and Fewell with Reese and Mara.

We need guys in the secondary who can tackle, cover, and make plays.

I believe Reese is not finished retooling this secondary.

This from Newsday...

Rosenhaus on the Phillips-Rolle connection

Friday March 5, 2010 10:34 PM By Tom Rock

Turns out Kenny Phillips is a big reason why Antrel Rolle signed with the Giants (five years, $37 million with $15 million guaranteed in case you missed it). But not exactly for the reasons you might think.

Shortly after the deal was finalized, agent Drew Rosenhaus – who, as we noted earlier, reps both Rolle and Phillips – was on Sirius NFL Radio and said that the relationship between the two safeties and products of the University of Miami helped bring Rolle to the Giants.

“Kenny was a big reason why Antrel has agreed to sign with the Giants and I think Antrel loved the idea of playing with Kenny,” Rosenhaus said. He quickly added: “Kenny’s going to make a compete recovery and we’re very optimistic about him doing that.”

It will be interesting to see how the Giants use the two safeties if, in fact, Phillips is able to play. In Perry Fewell's turnover-focused defense, they should both thrive.

Rosenhaus also said the Cardinals made it very difficult for Rolle to leave.

“I can’t say enough about the Cardinals,” he said. “The Cardinals are losing some players here in free agency, but I can tell you they went toe-to-toe with the Giants. It wasn’t an economic thing. I believe it was more to do with the fact that Antrel wanted to be closer to home and is from the East Coast. A lot of times guys spend 5 years in one program and they want to try something different. There was nothing wrong with what the Cardinals did, just more so that the Giants and Antrel made a good fit.”

I bleed blue (Mitch),

Thankfully, the computer glitches have been corrected. Great to see you are back.

What good will it be if Coughlin gains Rolando McClain, yet refuses to play him?

Don't get me wrong, I love the Rolle get. And now, like everyone else, I want stud LBers. I like Boley and he'll do better in his 2nd year in a new system (did last year even have a system on D?)

I thought Pierce should not have been on the team last year. He was done. Clark, Wilkinson, eh...

Blackburn, nice special-teamer, good on D in a pinch, but ultimately, eh...

Which leaves the young triumvirate of Sintim, Goff and Kehl. Throwing them in at the end of last season when the D was just mailing it in didn't really tell me much about any of them.

But we do know that Coughlin just hates playing rookies (took what, 12 games to START Nicks???)

My biggest fear is that we get McClain, and Coughlin, true to form, WON'T PLAY HIM.

So, we gain the world (McClain), but lose our soul (again, meaning no identity on D).

joe morrison interesting post, and you may be right...but if somehow we could get rolando, maybe even coughlin (who appears to be very stubborn) would look back at the impact of maualuga last year (i think the other usc linebackers also started for their respective teams) and give rolando the baton that AP left for us to pass on......there is talk in some posts on here of trading up to get rolando, and if it doesn't cost us an arm and a leg maybe that will be worth considering....but if we don't trade up, and rolando is gone, trading down might be worthwhile, taking weatherspoon (who is also fiery and would provide us with some leadership) and getting someone like brandon spikes navorro bowman darryl washington rennie curran in round 2 or 3, in the process picking up an extra pick or 2 where we might be able to get a DT or an electric offensive player like jahvid best or dexter mccluster......the only current lb's i feel somewhat comfortable about are boley, blackburn as a reserve, and possibly sintim who still seems like he could develop into a quality reserve and/or situational pass rusher....kehl goff wilkinson haven't impressed so far, no reason to think they ever will....as pointed out a few weeks ago, the last time we took a LB number 1 was carl banks!...we have neglected that position for far too long, and this is the year we need to revitalize our defense with new blood at that position....

http://www.nydailynews.com/blo...e-out.html

thanks gman i loved in the link article that they point out that we have reserves left including cc brown if he is not picked up as a restricted free agent....we can only hope!

"It tells me Phillips is a bigger question mark than before"

I'm not sure im convinced with the arguement that the Antrel Rolle signing is an indictment on the progress of KP. I mean isnt the poor play of CC, Rouse, and Johnson last year enough to look for a better safety? Unless you guys have seen medical records indicating that Kenny's knee is still fu@#ed, making a link between the two is pure conjecture, especially considering what the doctors, KP, and the Giants front office has been saying all year.

I agree with you. And I believe the Giants are not done with revamping their safety position. Drafting a safety in first or second round.

In my opinion, Johnson stinks! I am still pissed at hime for this play. In 2008, I was at the Dallas game in Texas Stadium. Giants trailing 14-8 late in the 4th quarter(approx 3 minutes left). Dallas has the ball on Giants 49. They have a 3rd and nine. The Giants just burned their last time out. On the 3rd down play, Romo completes pass to Witten; however, Witten is short of a first down. Johnson has him wrapped up. Inexplicably, Witten sheds Johnson's tackle and gets past the first down marker for an eleven yard gain.

Game over.

Next play. Choice takes handoff and runs for a 38 yard touchdown.

This is an example of one play. And there have been numerous mistackles by this guy.

Perhaps Brown and Johnson will compete for last roster spot at safety. Or Both may be gone and one of the guys from practice squad makes the club as fourth safety.

getting rolle was great even if the nyg overpaid--he was my 1st choice of the safeties available by far. that fact that he played cb 1st is a great asset as the game is becoming more pass oriented. there is a lot less pressure, but i still say we draft a safety w/ one of our top 4 picks. phillips probably wont be fully recovered and will need breaks. plus safeties are always good for special teams coverage. now we can afford to possibly trade up for mcclain. miami signing dansby also means they have less of a need for mcclain. but we all know parcells likes to collect lbs.

i get tired of ppl saying coughlin wont play rookies--parcells was far worse, btw--and use nicks as the example. 1st off, smith and manningham were playing well. 2nd, nicks got hurt and missed games, so that delayed him at least 5 games.

good signing, if a bit overpriced. good write up andy.

Hey andy and gang,
I am hoping that Fewell had something to do with getting Rolle. As D.C. one would hope he is involved. I am kind of browsing what Fewell as done in the past and a good safety or two is absolute. If Fewell(i hope) abandons the Tampa Two we will probably play a modified version of it. He relies on turnovers on defense and Buffaloes safety out of Troy State is a perfect example. He had a bunch of interceptions and made all pro in his first year. The problem was that the Bills either played reasonably close or got blown out. We already know what that feels like and I admittedly like a very aggressive defense which occasionally gets burned but makes the big play. As was said previously by a bunch of us the quarterbacks and receivers in this league will "eat you alive" if you aren't all over them. Romo is a perfect example. He is pretty damn good when left to scramble but,pressure him and he stinks. Peyton,Brady,Brees,even Donovan when given time will hurt you but pressure Donovan and he is ineffective and usually gets "hurt".
We really need a building in the middle. If I were pulling the trigger I would surely go after McClain and Kindle,maybe Hughes aggressively.After that,there is depth at O Line and we must address the aging pretty soon. Probably can get away with one more year but then it all falls down. The Center Pouncy(sp) from Florida is getting Raves and cam also play guard. I like him a lot.Another Snee wouldn't hurt and we can run the ball. We need a lot but receiver is set for a long time. We screwed up in F.A. last year but,Canty should be a lot better this year. He was never a great player and Jones let him leave when the "Boys" were wanting a better defense. A defensive tackle is their #1 target so,why let Canty go?
I am happy for the first time in a long time with Rolle. I am hoping the Giants get Myron in the 2nd or third round and that will sew up our deepest wound. Myron was better than his brother and then took the infamous year off. He got toasted in the Sr. Bowl and was lousy at the combine but I see that as an opportunity to get a very good player later in the draft. I believe that if the Giants can find a guy who will lead by example(Strahan) the entire defense will step up. Ray Lewis has done that for years in Baltimore and they are always at the top on defense. I just don't think Tuck is comfortable in that role.
Oh Yeah,
Dansby got $43 million which is equally obscene. Auburn consistently turns out great pros. I need to look there too.

nice comments peter. if we don't sign a quality LB in free agency (and it is appearing as if we may not at this point), then obviously we have to look at LB in round 1, and either round 2 or 3 as well. we may have to trade up to get rolando, if the price is too steep maybe trade down (if cj spiller is there at 15 i would imagine we would have some nice offers for that pick, even tempting us for that matter)..i would veer from picking a LB in round 2 only to get a DT such as dan williams, jared odrick, or YES Mount Cody, or possibly to take a jahvid best. OG/C Center Pouncey would also be a less sexy pick in round 2, but a very valuable one giving us great versatility as our OL is getting older. At SS I like Darrell Stuckey S Kansas in round 3 or 4, Morgan Burnett S Ga Tech if he were there in round 3 (he can probably handle SS though a FS in college; nice protection on both sides) and i know you love S myron rolle i believe he will be there in round 3-5 and could be a bargain. OG Mike Johnson Alabama would be a fantastic pick if he were there in round 4, others to consider in round 4 for RT would be Ciron Black LSU Selvish Capers WVA or Kyle Calloway Iowa.. at least one of those should be there, partly depends on the plans with David Diehl as to what we want to do there....I have followed the comments on RB Ben Tate, and he is very intriguing nice posts on that....not sure if he would be there in round 4 but would be a very solid pick if he was....and of course I love Dexter McCluster, i think the fans would love him and he would really give us a dynamic player in the slot, returns, and occasionally at RB...if we have a shot at him though it would have to be in round 3, as he will not last beyond that round...if we wanted to take a shot at a CB in round 3, I like javier arenas alabama,who should be an upgrade on bruce johnson and who can also help with returns...he is a warrior and one of those guys who seems to be in the right place at the right time....my wish list is large, just throwing it out there...

Correct me if im wrong, but the last we heard, Fewell hadnt determined what scheme he was going to run citing that the scheme will be dependent on our players strength and weaknesses. If we take that message to heart, the LBer's we sign will be very telling on what Fewell has up his sleeve.

If they sign/draft a will witherspoon, sean weatherspoon, or kirk morrison to play MLB, I wouldnt be surprised if we see alot of tampa 2 next year. All those guys are a little undersized and have some issues playing the run (there talent set is better suited for a WILL), but they all possess excellent range. They can cover and get great depth in the drop. This makes them viable....even good tampa 2 type MLB's.

If they stick with Goff, spikes, or another big physical run stopping MLB, i think we can throw the Tampa 2 out the window. While goff had the best 40 time for ILB when he was at the combine, he gets horrible depth when dropping back in coverage.

great write up!!!