The Giants’ bruised and battered defense got better last night with the signing of free safety Antrel Rolle.
The addition of an athletic player with coverage and playmaking skills doesn’t fill all the cracks in a shattered unit, but it’s a heck of a start. Rolle visited the Giants’ training complex, met with team officials, took a physical then waited as his agent, Drew Rosenhaus, hammered out a five-year, $37 million deal — one of the biggest ever for a safety — including $15 million in guaranteed money.
“I’m ecstatic,” Rolle said. “There are great opportunities for me, and I am excited to be working with the players I’ll be working with. I think the sky’s going to be the limit as to what we can do.”
Once Rolle was released Thursday by the Cardinals, he instantly became the top target for the Giants. He reportedly turned down a six-year, $38.6 million offer to stay in Arizona. When the Dolphins signed linebacker Karlos Dansby, though, they dropped out of the running for Rolle, leaving the Giants and Cardinals to battle for his services.
“Antrel is a young, ascending veteran player, and he is an outstanding person who will bring leadership, versatility and more big play ability to our secondary,” Giants general manager Jerry Reese said.
As a 2005 first-round pick, the 27-year-old Rolle couldn’t cut it as a cornerback and at first struggled with his shift to free safety, although he was much improved this past season. He will make a hit, and as a former corner can be used in coverage against slot receivers, a valuable asset. As the last line of defense he at times has been beat deep and he does not have great speed. Word out of Arizona is that he plays hard for the full 60 minutes. He has a nose for the ball and is dangerous when he gets his hands on it.
The Giants liked what they saw from Rolle on Oct. 25. He had an interception off Eli Manning to wrap up the Cardinals’ 24-17 victory. In addition, Rolle took a snap as a Wildcat quarterback. He’s not big (6-foot, 208 pounds) but extremely athletic and supposedly can throw the ball 90 yards.
The Cardinals wanted to keep Rolle, but they wouldn’t give him the $8 million per year that they’re paying their other safety, Adrian Wilson. Rolle was released after the Cardinals opted not to pay him a $4 million bonus he was due on top of his 2010 salary of $8.1 million.
The plan is for Rolle to be paired with Kenny Phillips to form a young, athletic, former Miami Hurricane starting safety duo, as there’s little in reserve at the position with Michael Johnson, Aaron Rouse and restricted free agent C.C. Brown all coming off rough seasons. Phillips, though, is coming off micro-fracture left knee surgery to help in the healing process of patella femoral arthritis. The Giants need insurance in case Phillips can’t make a complete recovery, furthering the need to import a playmaking safety.
It is clear the Giants most likely are going to need a new backup quarterback. David Carr filled that role the past two years, but he’s in demand as one of the most attractive quarterbacks on the market. The Bakersfield, Calif., native’s first visit will be with the 49ers. The Cardinals also are interested. There’s not much for the Giants to choose from as a backup, with Chris Redman re-signing with the Falcons and A.J. Feely signing with the Rams. The options include Mark Brunell, Jeff Garcia, Patrick Ramsey, Kyle Boller, Todd Collins, J.P. Losman and Kellen Clemens.
Antrel Rolle file
Age: 27
Ht./Wt.: 6-foot, 208
Position: Safety
* Eighth overall pick by the Cardinals in 2005 out of Miami.
* Has 12 career interceptions and 294 tackles in 68 career games (59 starts).
* Missed most of his rookie season because of a left knee injury.
* Switched from cornerback to safety before the 2008 season.
* Was Pro Bowl selection this past season with four interceptions, 72 tackles, 1.5 sacks and a forced fumble.