NFL

Feagles likely done with Giants, heir apparent drafted

The selection of a punter, Matt Dodge of East Carolina, in the seventh round yesterday was a curious move by the Giants –— until word came down that seemingly-ageless Jeff Feagles likely is to retire.

Feagles last week alerted Tom Coughlin that, although he wants to continue his career and punt in the NFL for a 23rd season, he does not feel he is up to the physical demands and rigors the job entails. Asked what specifically is bothering Feagles, Coughlin said, “He’s 44 years old.”

Coming off a subpar season, Feagles — at present the oldest player on an NFL roster — worked out hard for a month to determine if his body could hold up. He was satisfied with the results and told the Giants he was in for another year. Since then, though, he’s had second thoughts.

“I was surprised,” said Coughlin, who is a staunch Feagles supporter. “Jeff was trying to do the right thing. He did the honorable thing with the best interest of the team at heart.”

The timing of the conversation gave the Giants the opportunity to use the NFL Draft to likely find Feagles’ successor. Dodge is a strong-legged 6-foot-1, 224-pounder who last season finished second in the nation with a punting average of 45.8 yards. He’s the first punter drafted by the Giants since 1997, when they took Brad Maynard in the third round. The Giants also have Jy Bond, a former Australian Rules Football player, on their roster.

Feagles will meet with Coughlin this week and the coach said he would be surprised if Feagles determines he’s ready to go forward with his career. “He’s having some physical issues,” Coughlin said.

Feagles has been with the Giants the past seven seasons and in addition to providing some of the best directional punting in the league, he’s also a gifted and skilled holder for field goals. Dodge did not do that at East Carolina, and Coughlin said newly signed backup quarterback Jim Sorgi will handle the holding duties if Feagles is gone.

paul.schwartz@nypost.com