Written by Ebenezer Samuel at NewYorkDailyNews.com
They outbid everyone for the biggest pass-rushing prize in free agency, they robbed the Jets of one of football’s finest run-stopping defensive tackles, and they netted the best available cornerback. And they are all 27 years of age or younger.
This was the Giants on Wednesday, making big splash after big splash in the NFL’s free agent signing period, as they did everything possible to rebuild a franchise in tatters. And when the day was over, they had handed out $105.5 million in guaranteed money to defensive end Olivier Vernon, defensive tackleDamon (Snacks) Harrison and cornerback Janoris Jenkins.
In two days of free agency, Jerry Reese, GM on the hot seat, has now handed out $204.25 million in player contracts (including $114 million guaranteed) to four players, part of an aggressive attempt to instantly remake one of the NFL’s most pathetic defenses.
On Wednesday, armed with more than $52 million in salary cap room, Reese went all-out on a trio of major moves, ending the day by handing Vernon the richest contract ever given to an edge rusher, a five-year, $85 million pact that includes $52.5 million in guaranteed money.
And Reese needed every penny of that massive offer to lure the ex-Dolphin to East Rutherford. Vernon, 25, was widely considered the top pass-rusher in this year’s free agent class. Miami had placed the transition tag on Vernon last week, but after signing Mario Williams, it opted to let Vernon hit the open market, lifting the tag early Wednesday afternoon.
Shortly after that, a bevy of teams were in pursuit of Vernon, although the two squads most heavily involved were the Jacksonville Jaguars and the Giants. According to a league source, the Jaguars’ final offer wound up “less than an inch away” from beating out the Giants’ bid.
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