Giants ready to make run at Antrel Rolle

If the Giants are truly interested in fortifying their defensive backfield and aren't scared off by last year's high-spending, low-impact free agency results they owe it to the organization to make a run at Antrel Rolle.

And they are.

The Pro Bowl safety yesterday was released by the Cardinals -- no big surprise, because he was due a $4 million bonus and an $8.1 million salary and they were unwilling to pay him in excess of $12 million for this season. The demand and price will be high for a 27-year old former first-round pick (eighth overall in 2005) with 12 career interceptions and four touchdown returns.

Free agency began at 12:01 a.m. this morning, but because Rolle was cut the Giants could strike immediately, and they quickly contacted his agent, Drew Rosenhaus. According to reports, Rolle will meet today with the Giants, who will have stiff competition with the Dolphins -- who came up with a five-year offer for Rolle -- and perhaps the Bears and the Cardinals, who do want to get in the bidding to get Rolle back.

The word is Rolle is looking for $8 million per year. Giants general manager Jerry Reese is not going to open the vault this signing period, but he will not be gun-shy when it comes to spending for a player he believes will make a difference. The Giants could wrap this up today.

If Kenny Phillips returns to form following knee surgery, a safety tandem of Rolle and Phillips would be young and dynamic. Like Phillips, Rolle went to Miami and he's a converted cornerback with exceptional coverage skills. The Giants as presently constituted don't really have a safety on their roster they can count on until Phillips proves he's healthy. The other starter, Michael Johnson, is coming off a poor season. The NFL is evolving into a league where the importance of playmaking safeties is growing and Rolle would fit that description.

There's not expected to be much of a play for Karlos Dansby, who is not a true 4-3 middle linebacker and will command a king's ransom, most likely from the Dolphins. Gary Brackett, the only unrestricted true 4-3 middle linebacker of real value, is likely to re-sign with the Colts.

Other alternatives such as DeMeco Ryans (Texans), D'Qwell Jackson (Browns), Kirk Morrison (Raiders) and Barrett Ruud (Buccaneers) all lost out on their unrestricted status and as restricted free agents will find it difficult to change teams.

No team ever has enough cornerbacks and Dunta Robinson of the Texans would be a great addition, because he's 28, in the prime of his career and unrestricted. But he could command $9 million per year as the top corner on the market, which is too much for the Giants. Leigh Bodden of the Patriots is the next-best cornerback.

It is no secret the Giants need help on defense but not exclusively. Their running game, not long ago tops in the NFL, sagged last season and new blood is needed. The 1-2 punch of Brandon Jacobs and Ahmad Bradshaw limped to the finish line -- Jacobs with a bum knee and Bradshaw with two bad ankles. Both players underwent offseason surgery.

There are some options on the unrestricted market, meaning no compensation is required for signings. Chester Taylor (Vikings) is versatile and has limited mileage on his legs. Willie Parker (Steelers) has straight-ahead speed. Mighty-mite Darren Sproles was tendered at the highest-level possible, with a first and third-round pick as compensation, ensuring he will remain in San Diego. The Jets today will release Thomas Jones, who is coming off a 1,402-yard, 14-touchdown season but refused to take a pay cut.

Click here to order Antrel Rolle's proCane Rookie Card.



(nypost.com)