The Giants did not sign Brandon Jacobs on Tuesday to carry the load, or to be the feature running back, or to do what he once did for the offense.
Sure, they want Jacobs to use his 265 pounds to set a physical presence, but at this point in his career they want him mostly to be a mentor and backfield complement to David Wilson, who endured a nightmarish 2013 debut.
“Whatever they need me to do,” Jacobs said. “Whatever role they want me to play, I’ll come in and do it.’’
Jacobs never wanted to leave the Giants, and when he did, spending a miserable 2012 season with the 49ers, it always seemed as if he still wanted to be with the Giants. Now a reunion has taken place, as the Giants signed Jacobs, believing he has enough left in the tank to be of aid to Wilson and the other young running backs on the roster, to a one-year deal.
Jacobs, along with Willis McGahee, was part of a tryout at the Giants training facility, and the Giants were impressed with the way Jacobs performed. Jacobs is a vested veteran (four or more years of NFL service) but his contract is not fully guaranteed for the entire season, as he was signed after the first game of the season.
“The Giants have given me a great opportunity,’’ Jacobs said. “This is where I wanted to be. These are the coaches I want to play for and I wanted to come back with my teammates. This is the place I love most.”
The Giants were in the market for a veteran in the backfield after Wilson was benched following two fumbles in the season-opening loss to the Cowboys. Andre Brown, the only or running back with any experience, is on short-term injured reserve, meaning he is gone until Week 10 because of a broken left leg.
In addition to knowing the offensive system and perhaps playing a role in short-yardage and in pass protection, the Giants see Jacobs as a positive presence to help show Wilson the NFL ropes.
“I’m ready to go,” Jacobs said. “If I need to go Sunday, I can go Sunday. There’s no issue. I’ll be really excited.’’
Jacobs wore No, 27 his first time around, a number taken by injured safety Stevie Brown. Jacobs was issued No. 34 but joked he will try to negotiate with Brown to get back his old number.
Jacobs, 31, spent his first seven NFL seasons with the Giants. Built more like a defensive end than a running back, he had back-to-back 1,000-yard seasons in 2007 and 2008, had 15 rushing touchdowns in 2008, was a key player on two Super Bowl winning teams and is the franchise leader with 56 rushing touchdowns.
After battling knee issues and rushing for just 571 yards in 2011, the Giants cut Jacobs and the 49ers scooped him up. Jacobs never hit it off in San Francisco. He played in only two games, getting just five rushing attempts. Niners coach Jim Harbaugh grew tired of Jacobs and released him in December.