After a turbulent season dealing with too many lows and not enough highs out of rookie punter Matt Dodge, the Giants are determined to sign a veteran to challenge and possibly beat out Dodge this summer.
The first option for the Giants was a familiar face. They reached out to kick the tires on Brad Maynard, the player they selected in the third round of the 1997 NFL Draft. Maynard spent four years with the Giants then left in free agency for Chicago, where he had been the Bears punter for the past 10 years.
Maynard, 37, saw his contract expire and the Giants wasted no time inquiring about him. The Giants don’t have a lot of money to spend on a punter and, according to someone with knowledge of the situation, Maynard initially may have balked at the Giants’ veteran minimum offer of $910,000, but is said to be considering it. The Eagles, also in the market for a punter after cutting Sav Rocca, also made a play for Maynard for the veteran minimum.
Matt Turk, the veteran who punted for the Texans last season, was on the Giants’ radar, but he reportedly will sign with the Jaguars. Rocca is headed to the Redskins.
Former Jets punter Steve Weatherford, 28, is also on the market.
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In addition to making official the release of offensive linemen Shaun O’Hara
, Rich Seubert
and Shawn Andrews
, the Giants cut FB Madison Hedgecock
, who was scheduled to make $1 million, has been slowed with back problems and may retire.
The Giants also released RBÂ Tiki Barber
from the reserve/retired list. DT Rocky Bernard
will be released today.
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The eight draft picks are getting signed. RB Da’Rel Scott
(seventh round) agreed to a four year deal worth $2.1 million. . . . With the three offensive line cuts and the signing of C David Baas
from the 49ers, the likely plan is for David Diehl
to move inside to left guard and for third-year Will Beatty
to get his shot as the starting left tackle.
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RB Ahmad Bradshaw
lost a suitor for his services when the Dolphins traded yesterday for former Saints RB Reggie Bush
. The Giants continue to try to sign Bradshaw, a top free agent priority.
They also have exchanged offers with TE Kevin Boss
.
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Ten rookie free agents were signed: LB Mark Herzlich
(Boston College), DE Justin Trattou
(Florida), DE Craig Marshall
(South Florida), DT Martin Parker
(Richmond), DT Ibrahim Abdulai
(Arkansas-Pine Bluff), safety Jerrard Tarrant
(Georgia Tech), safety David Sims
(Iowa State), LB Spencer Paysinger
(Oregon), OT Jarriel King
(South Carolina), FB Henry Hynoski
(Pittsburgh).