Bears making strong push for veteran safety Antrel Rolle

Antrel Rolle heading to Chicago to visit with the Bears is a prime example of the difference between NFL head coaches who have control of their team’s personnel and those who do not.

Tom Coughlin is one of those coaches who does not have final say on who is on his roster. If he did, he surely would find a way to re-sign Rolle, who started every game for Coughlin and the Giants the past five years. The makeup of the roster falls to general manager Jerry Reese, who certainly abides by the wishes of his head coach whenever possible. Reese, though, clearly has set a price for Rolle and is willing to watch the Giants’ defensive captain sign elsewhere.

Rolle’s agent, Drew Rosenhaus, Tuesday shooed away reports Rolle to the Bears was already a done deal. That doesn’t mean a contract is not forthcoming. The Bears headed into free agency seeking to upgrade at safety and Rolle would bring them ability, durability and leadership. Plus, he’s played alongside a safety already in Chicago, Ryan Mundy. The two started the first seven games together for the Giants in 2013.

Rolle, 32, wants to remain with the Giants but as free agency approached, it became clear that he was likely headed elsewhere.

In need of a replacement for Rolle — there isn’t a safety on the roster with an NFL start — the Giants remain interested in Chiefs defensive back Ron Parker, who is versatile enough that in 2014 he started 11 games at safety and four at cornerback. Rahim Moore of the Broncos is also a possibility.

Before free agency even officially started, the Giants made a significant push to come to an agreement with safety Devin McCourty, who never actually hit the open market and ended up re-signing with the Patriots.


(nypost.com)