The strategy the Giants seem to be employing with many of their own free agents is a simple one: offer short-term, minimum-salary deals and not make much of a counter-offer if there is interest elsewhere in their players.
Dave Tollefson and Jonathan Goff, two defensive players they would like back, are starting to visit other teams, and it appears unlikely either will return.
There is a standing offer on the table for Tollefson, a valuable reserve defensive end who is coming off a career-best five-sack season. Tollefson, according to a source, “is looking for more of a commitment,’’ meaning the Giants are probably offering a one-year deal for the veteran minimum salary.
Tollefson today will visit with the Seahawks and he also has attracted interest from the Raiders, Packers and Buccaneers. Given that interest, it is highly likely Tollefson will get a better offer elsewhere and depart. An extremely popular locker room presence, Tollefson has been with the Giants since 2007 and has played in 63 regular-season games.
Goff missed the entire 2011 season following reconstructive knee surgery to repair a torn ACL after showing promise and starting every game at middle linebacker in 2010. Goff has visited with the Browns. The Giants have made an offer to Goff, but it most likely has a great deal of financial protection to minimize the risk if Goff’s knee does not allow him to make a successful comeback.
Former Giants cornerback Aaron Ross, signed to a three-year contract with the Jaguars that can be worth $15.3 million ($9.75 million plus incentives), said he knew he would not be back once Terrell Thomas was re-signed.
“They have four quality corners and there was pretty much no room for me anymore,’’ Ross said yesterday in his first press conference with the Jaguars media.
Ross said he spoke with the Giants but realized “it just wasn’t going to be a good deal.” He said he left on good terms.