On the first day they were allowed to make contact with the representatives of unrestricted free agents, the Giants made some inquiries Monday as they began to lay theāØ groundwork for thše start of NFL free agency and how to best spend all the money they have.
The Giants are $56.6 million uš°nder the salary cap of $155 million, and only three teams ā the Jaguars, Raiders and 49ers ā have moreš§ to spend. Teams can open up negotiations with agents, but no deal can be finalized until Wednesday.
There have been varying reports about Mario Williams and a possible visit to the Giants on Monday. That did not take place and no visit has beešn scheduled. Williams is seeking a contract averaging $10 mš·illion per year, according to Bleacher Report, and has reportedly attracted interest from the Dolphins and Jaguars, in addition to the Giants.
No longer owning exclusiveš negotiations with their own defensive end Jason Pierre-Paul ā that window ended Monday ā the Giants remain interested in re-signing him. They prefer a one-year deal. Pierre-Paul has reportedly attracted interest from the Cardinals. Given the uncertainty with his right hand, a one-year deal would allow Pierre-Paul to reestablish his value in the league without locking him into a deal below market value.
The visit with veteran defensive end Charles Johnson ā a recent cut by the Panthers ā came and went without an immediate deal. If they want to shop the bargain aisle, the Giants could look to add defensive end Adrian Clayborn, a player theyāve shown some interest in. Clayborn, 27, was the 20th overall pick in the 2011 NFL Draft ā taken one spot after Prince Amukamara went to the Giants. Clayborn spent his first four years with the Buccaneers and last seasonš played in 16 games (four starts) for the Falcons.
The Giants, on the lookout for a young, veteršÆan safety, have interest in George Iloka, a 25š-year-old with great size (6-foot-4, 225 pounds) and a three-year starter for the Bengals.