The Giants made the return of linebacker Jon Beason a top priority in free agency — clearly putting him ahead of Justin Tuck on their list — and now that Tuck is with the Raiders, someone might have to replace him as one of the defensive captains. Safety Antrel Rolle served last season alongside Tuck, and Beason, despite being a relative newcomer, is a strong candidate if the Giants want to name a second defensive captain.
“Everyone’s going to have to pick up the slack because Tuck was such an amazing leader, a guy who demanded respect right when he walked into the room,’’ Beason said Friday after signing his three-year, $19 million contract. “For me, I just want to continue to try and be consistent. I think when you’re consistent, people follow that.”
In a short period of time, the 29-year old Beason last season went from a newcomer to a fixture, from a guy who just arrived in a trade to a key cog in the Giants defense. He arrived Oct. 4 from the Panthers and when he took over as the Giants’ middle linebacker, they were ranked 26th in the league in defense. After his 11 starts, the Giants completed 2013 ranked No. 8 in total defense.
“I think what we were able to build last year in a short period of time was scary,” Beason said. “I’m a big fan of building camaraderie and sweating with the guys in the offseason. That’s where you build those championships and we missed that — well, I missed that because I came in early in the season. But for me, at this point, I know we have that coming up in April, get out there and earn the right to be a champ. It’s going to be big this year.”
Former Ravens linebacker Jameel McClain officially signed his contract and figures to quickly work his way into a starting role.
“I’ve got a chip on my shoulder the size of a golden nugget,” McClain said.
He started 10 games last season after coming back from a neck injury.
“Now I get a chance to re-create myself,’’ he said.
Fullback Henry Hynoski signed his one-year, $1 million contract and will compete with John Conner for a roster spot. Hynoski is coming off knee and shoulder surgeries.
“I’m finally 100 percent healthy now. I’m ready to go,” he said. “I’m just extremely anxious to get back on the field. It was a humbling year.”
Hynoski paid a free agent visit to the Lions.
“This is where I want to be,” he said. “Don’t get me wrong, Detroit was a great place, but this is home for me.”
The Giants had interest in center Evan Dietrich-Smith, but he signed a four-year, $14.25 million contract with the Buccaneers. Former Saints center Brian de la Puente remains available.