NFL

Giants give punter Weatherford 5-year deal

Last summer, Steve Weatherford wasn’t guaranteed anything after he signed a one-year contract with the Giants, instantly thrust into a competition for a roster spot with Matt Dodge, a second-year punter with a booming leg.

Weatherford narrowly won that duel, and after a highly successful first year with the Giants he won’t be going anywhere else anytime soon.

When the Giants not long ago designated Weatherford as their franchise player, it was a tactic to make sure he did not depart once free agency began. There was every intention from the team and the player to find a long-term solution to keep Weatherford punting with the Giants for years to come.

That solution has been found, as Weatherford yesterday agreed to a five-year, $12.5 million contract that includes a signing bonus of $3.25 million.

Weatherford put together a solid first year with the Giants and finished off with a flourish, as his punting became a valuable weapon during the postseason. He did not want to go anywhere and immediately took to Twitter to express his excitement:

“I’m looking forward to representing the NEW YORK GIANTS for the next 5 years. Thank you to our fans for making it an easy decision!’’

Weatherford, 29, is a six-year NFL veteran who punted for the Saints, Chiefs, Jaguars and for two years with the Jets before coming to the Giants. He put 25 of his 82 punts down inside the 20-yard line and conformed to what coach Tom Coughlin wants out of his punter by limiting the opponents’ return game and booting the ball out of bounds as often as possible.