Everyone inside the Giants organization has great regard for Ahmad Bradshaw, a maximum-effort player during his six seasons with the team. Bradshaw now brings that grit to the Colts, who Tuesday signed the tough-minded running back to a one-year deal.
Bradshaw, a 2007 seventh-round draft pick, was released by the Giants early this offseason. He made a name for himself with his unique, bow-legged running style, his power always surprising considering his modest size. That style, though, took a heavy toll on his feet.The Giants moved on from Bradshaw, taking David Wilson in the first round of last year’s draft. The Giants envision Wilson and Andre Brown as their 1-2 rushing punch. Bradshaw has been slowed in previous seasons by surgeries to repair broken bones in both feet, and he underwent another procedure following the 2012 season.
Bradshaw was most often linked to the Steelers, who brought him in for a look during free agency but considered Bradshaw not yet physically ready to play. Though he has taken a beating, Bradshaw is only 27 years old and last season ran for 1,015 years. His best season was 2010, when he rushed for a career-high 1,235 yards.
The Colts will love the way Bradshaw performs in pass protection, which should endear him to second-year quarterback Andrew Luck. The Colts were 22nd in the NFL last season in rushing yards. According to reports, Bradshaw’s one-year deal includes a base salary of $1.1 million, a signing bonus of $250,000 and $650,000 in game-by-game roster bonuses.
* Hakeem Nicks showed up, but the other starting receiver, Victor Cruz, without a contract, stayed away from minicamp.
“I’ve been optimistic since Day 1, and it hasn’t gotten me anywhere, has it?’’ Coughlin said of the stalled contract negotiations. “I just continue to be that way. The clock is running. The calendar dates are going by. This is something that at least we could have benefitted by, if nothing else, this minicamp. But you have to realize that there is no contract at this time. So without a contract, he’s not going to be here.’’
On Monday, the Giants can drop their tender offer to Cruz from $2.879 million to $630,000, but are unlikely to do so.
* With fullback Henry Hynoski coming off knee surgery, the Giants have inquired and have interest in former Ravens fullback Vonta Leach. The Giants don’t have much money to spend, and Leach is visiting with the Dolphins today.
* Defensive end Jason Pierre-Paul has returned from California following back surgery.
“I know that probably for the first three or four weeks [of training camp] he’s not going to be doing much,” Coughlin said.
* Two starting offensive linemen, right guard Chris Snee (hip) and center David Baas (elbow), are coming off surgeries and not participating in minicamp. They should be ready for training camp.
“I’m sure there will be some limitations, but it won’t be like it is here,” Coughlin said. “They’ll be able to work.”