ALBANY — The development of the Giants’ wide receivers was probably the most pleasant surprise of the 2009 season. But that won’t keep the Giants from being interested in re-signing Plaxico Burress when he finishes his prison stint for gun possession.
A person who has visited Burress at the Oneida Correctional Facility in Rome said Burress is expected to be released within “two or three weeks,” his two-year sentence reduced for good behavior.
It’s suspected Burress will get out under a work-release program. It’s unclear when he might be eligible to return to the NFL, as he most certainly faces disciplinary action by Commissioner Roger Goodell for shooting himself in the leg with an unregistered gun in 2008.
When Burress does become eligible to sign with an NFL club, Giants general manager Jerry Reese yesterday said, “We’ll definitely investigate it.”
Burress played a key role in the Giants’ Super Bowl XLII victory, catching the game-winning touchdown pass to keep the Patriots from a perfect season. But while at a nightclub the following November, Burress accidentally shot himself in the leg, while reaching for a gun that was tucked in the waistband of his sweatpants.
Burress, who turns 33 on Aug. 12, accepted a plea deal and was sentenced on Sept. 22, 2009. He told former Steelers coach Bill Cowher during an interview from prison, “I will play again,” and according to visitors is excited about returning to football.
“He says his body feels great and is free of pain for the first time in years,” said the source, who has visited Burress. “He’s in good shape and he has handled everything well.”
The Giants released Burress in April 2009, and though they finished a disappointing 8-8 last year, Steve Smith set a club record with 107 receptions for 1,220 yards (seven TDs) and became the first Giants wide receiver to play in the Pro Bowl since Homer Jones in 1968. Mario Manningham had 57 receptions for 822 yards, while Hakeem Nicks, had 47 catches for 790 yards and six scores. Nicks, however, could be hobbled after hyperextending his right knee yesterday. Though Domenik Hixon is out for the year with a knee injury, the Giants think the corps will be even better this year.
“More things are expected of that group,” coach Tom Coughlin said, “greater consistency, greater productivity. The young guys have to continue to improve.”
Ramses Barden, who fills out a uniform at 6-foot-6, is being given a strong look at camp. Meanwhile, veteran Sinorice Moss is catching everything thrown his way, while Derek Hagan and rookie Duke Calhoun are showing flashes of talent.
Still, when you list the top receiving corps in the NFL, the Giants don’t quickly come to mind. It might be because Smith and Co. are about as low key as they come. They don’t seek the limelight like most of the diva receivers in the NFL, and none has the commanding presence of Burress, who deserves a second chance after paying the price for his gunplay.
Giants quarterback Eli Manning had the best statistical season of his career in 2009, yet still finished out of the playoffs. With Burress, Manning won a Super Bowl and was 10-1 in 2008 before the nightclub shooting.
“When he first went in (prison) he was saying he thought he’d come back and be a good player, and I don’t doubt that at all because he’s that kind of athlete,” Reese said. “But in this game it’s hard to walk away for a couple of years and be the same person. But if anybody can do it, I think it’s him. So you never say never.”