NFL

Cardinals LB Dansby a Giant option

With reports surfacing that the Cardinals will not place the franchise tag on linebacker Karlos Dansby for a third consecutive year, one of the NFL’s best defensive players without a contract is headed toward free agency when the signing period begins March 5.

That at least would give the Giants a chance to sniff around before deciding whether or not to try to place Dansby into their shopping basket.

The release of Antonio Pierce leaves the Giants without a proven or experienced middle linebacker, but if they want to pursue Dansby they are going to have to go against their long-standing track record of steering clear of the most expensive players. The Cardinals retained Dansby the past two years by making him their franchise player, and if they did it again this year it would guarantee him $16 million for the 2010 season. That’s not in the Cardinals’ plans, according to the Arizona Republic, meaning Dansby will hit the open market. The Cardinals are hopeful they can re-sign him later in the process.

There’s much to like about Dansby, 28, though he is not exactly coming off a dominating season. He led the Cardinals in tackles with 109, but otherwise his production was down. He had just one interception, one forced fumble and one sack. But Dansby did end the wild 51-45 overtime playoff victory over the Packers with a fumble return for a touchdown, a game-changing play that no doubt earned him a few more bucks.

Reports indicate that Dansby is seeking a contract that will guarantee him $30 million, and he could be on his way to becoming one of the highest-paid defensive players in league history. No one knows how the likelihood of an uncapped year will affect free agency, as it would thin-out the free agent class and force teams to regulate themselves financially without the salary cap as a guideline.

The Giants were aggressive spenders last year in free agency, but the refortification of the defense did not produce the desired results. The Giants have never subscribed to a break-the-bank philosophy in free agency.

“I think it’s been proven that doesn’t work,” co-owner John Mara said following the disappointing 8-8 season. “If there are players we are interested in, we’re going to go after them, but how many times do we have to see evidence of the fact spending a lot of money on free agents in the offseason doesn’t necessarily improve your team? A lot of times it’s about chemistry and having the right nucleus and having leadership in the locker room. We’re going to look at the free agency market and make decisions where we think we can improve the team.”

During one radio interview, Dansby said the Giants, Dolphins, Redskins and Chargers were on his wish list, but in a subsequent interview changed his tune, saying he would listen to offers from any team.

paul.schwartz@nypost.com