NFL

JINTS ADD SAFETY IN KNIGHT

Sticking with GM Jerry Reese’s desire to augment rather than revamp the roster in free agency, the Giants yesterday made their first signing, the no-surprise addition of veteran safety Sammy Knight.

It’s the sort of under-the-radar move Reese used last season, patience that at first was viewed critically as inactivity and later revealed to be smart maneuvering as the Giants surged to Super Bowl glory.

A hole was created when free safety Gibril Wilson signed a mega-deal with the Raiders. The Giants are not ready to anoint Michael Johnson, going into his second season, as a starter, and thus an experienced player was needed.

Knight, 32, is a 10-year veteran and was targeted by the Giants as Wilson’s short-term replacement.

“I think this is a great situation for me,” Knight said. “This is a great staff, first and foremost, and a great organization. They won the Super Bowl, and they have a lot of people coming back, so the opportunity to win again was definitely one of the determining factors.”

Knight signed a three-year, $5.15 million contract that includes a signing bonus of $1.25 million. He turns 33 in September and was selected for the Pro Bowl in 2001 with the Saints.

He does not possess the physical skills he once did, and reports are that his lack of speed will at times be a liability in coverage. But Knight is an able and willing participant in the running game and is effective up in the box, where he is a sure tackler.

paul.schwartz@nypost.com