For all the talk about providing Eli Manning with more weapons and protection, the Giants were always most interested in adding a middle linebacker in the NFL free agency grab-bag that began yesterday. They were locked in negotiations with Kendrell Bell and were close to signing him and plugging him into the center of their defense.
The Giants added Carlos Emmons and Barrett Green via free agency a year ago in a dramatic linebacker shuffle and now want to finish the alterations with Bell. Make no mistake, adding Bell would have a great deal to do with a positive endorsement from defensive coordinator Tim Lewis, who filled that same role in Pittsburgh and saw Bell flourish as a young impact player. Bell is one of the top linebackers on the market.
After using hard-working but limited Kevin Lewis at middle linebacker last season, the Giants realized they needed an upgrade. Bell, 26, is a four-year NFL veteran, a 2001 second-round draft pick of the Steelers out of Georgia whose best season was his first, when he started all 16 games, had nine sacks and was named the NFL’s defensive rookie of the year. Bell has played exclusively as an inside linebacker in a 3-4 defensive front but the Giants believe he can make the transition to the 4-3. Durability is definitely a concern, as he is coming off an injury-marred 2004 season, playing in only three games with a severely strained groin.
There was word out of Green Bay that highly-regarded guard Mike Wahle would land in New York with the Giants and had already scheduled a visit. Untrue.
A Giants source said Wahle is not in their plans. The Packers were forced to cut Wahle in a salary cap dump and are not optimistic about their chances to bring him back. Wahle, 28, is a left guard who could have tried to sell himself to the Giants as a right tackle.
The Giants, looking for a backup quarterback, exchanged messages with the agent for Jay Fiedler and are trying to set up a visit, according to Brian Levy, who represents Fiedler, a Long Island native.
Plaxico Burress, the most intriguing receiver on the market, is likely headed for Minnesota to replace Randy Moss. The Giants yesterday made contact with Michael Harrison, the agent for Burress, who was led to believe the Giants want to address other priorities first.
“I have talked to the Giants very briefly,” Harrison said. “I think their top priority was offensive line and linebacker, and then they’re gonna kind of flip it and see what’s going on, see how much money they have left.”
Running back Ron Dayne, the former Heisman Trophy winner who never made it big with the Giants, has attracted interest from the Texans.
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COMINGS & GOINGS
A look at some of the dealings during the first day of the free-agent signing period:
POS. — PLAYER — NEW TEAM — OLD TEAM
LB Dexter Coakley Rams Cowboys
WR Derrick Mason Ravens Titans
DT Gerard Warren Broncos Browns
PK Matt Bryant Buccaneers Dolphins*
C Casey Rabach Redskins Ravens
*Also played for Giants and Colts
