GIANTS BEEF UP 'D' WITH 'BACKER BOLEY
By PAUL SCHWARTZ
Last updated: 6:39 am
February 28, 2009
Posted: 2:45 am
February 28, 2009
It's defense first for the Giants.
As free agency kicked off, linebacker Michael Boley of the Falcons last night arrived for dinner with the coaches during a visit that will extend into today and a whole lot longer. Striking quickly, the Giants, according to a league source, put together a five-year, $25 million package that landed Boley, presumably as their new starting weak side linebacker.
Also on the scene yesterday was Seahawks defensive tackle Rocky Bernard and on the way tonight is mammoth defensive tackle Chris Canty of the Cowboys, a native of The Bronx. Antonio Smith, a defensive end from the Cardinals, could be in next week. Clearly, fortifying the defensive front seven is a priority for the Giants.
And that's not all. As the clock struck midnight and free agency commenced Friday morning, the Giants immediately inquired about Albert Haynesworth. But after a few hours they were passed in the left lane by the Redskins, who sign the prize defensive tackle with a seven-year, $100 million mega-deal that includes a record $41 million in guaranteed money.
Boley, 26, gets upwards of $10 million in guaranteed money. The past four years, he played in all 64 regular-season games for the Falcons, but he lost his starting job late last season. He's just 223 pounds and is particularly adept dropping into coverage. That's an area of need for the Giants, who in 2008 used a patchwork group of Chase Blackburn, rookie Bryan Kehl and Gerris Wilkinson on the weak side.
Bernard turns 30 on April 19 and has shown some pass-rush ability, with 29 career sacks. He would fit into a rotation along with starters Fred Robbins and Barry Cofield and sub Jay Alford.
Last May, Boley was arrested in Georgia and charged with domestic battery after a verbal argument with his wife.
paul.schwartz@nypost.com
http://www.nypost.com/seven/02282009/sports/giants/giants_beef_up_d_with_backer_boley_157389.htm
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