Giants add to secondary by signing Antrel Rolle

Added by Gregg Snyder on March 6, 2010.

The New York Giants secondary was a major problem last season due to injuries. The safety position was a spot of need this offseason and the team got their man. Antrel Rolle visited yesterday and left with a new deal, a big one.

Rolle signed a five year deal worth $37 million with $15 million guaranteed. It’s one of the top deals ever for a safety. The $15 million in guaranteed money is behind only Bob Sanders, Adrian Wilson, and Troy Polamalu. Those are some big names.

The Cardinals drafted Rolle eight overall in the 2005 draft as a cornerback and had been on the team since then. He was converted to safety before the 2008 season. Last season Rolle had four interceptions and was named as an alternate on the NFC Pro Bowl roster.

The Giants had also been in talks with other free agent safeties but they were all back up  plans in case the Rolle deal did not work out. Darren Sharper was the main back up plan, with Antoine Bethea and Oshiomogho also on their radar. In the end, they got the guy they wanted, Antrel Rolle.

The addition of Rolle gives the Giants a pair of athletic safeties to roam the field. Kenny Phillips is currently rehabbing from microfracture surgery but is expected to be back next season. Giants fans will be happy if they do not have to hear the names Michael Johnson and C.C. Brown as starting safeties.