The Redskins shook up the free-agent market Friday morning when they made Albert Haynesworth the NFL‘s first $100 million defensive player. But not before the Giants tried to get him first.
The Giants made a surprising run at the big defensive tackle, calling his agent just after midnight and staying “in the mix” for several hours, two NFL sources told the Daily News. They didn’t immediately back out when they were told the 27-year-old wanted more than $30 million guaranteed, one source said, though eventually the price got way out of their range.
Haynesworth signed a seven-year deal worth $100 million-$115 million with $41 million guaranteed, just 5-1/2 hours after the free-agent signing period began. His agent, Chad Speck, confirmed the Giants’ interest but said the final choice came down to the Redskins and the Buccaneers.
The early pursuit of the 6-6, 320-pound Haynesworth was a sign that, despite a big hole at receiver due to the loss of Amani Toomer and the uncertainty surrounding Plaxico Burress, the Giants planned to use free agency to bolster their defense instead. They agreed to terms with Falcons linebacker Michael Boley Friday night on a five-year deal believed to be worth $25 million and they were playing host to Seahawks defensive tackle Rocky Bernard.
Cowboys defensive lineman Chris Canty is due in Saturday, too, and the Giants were trying to arrange a visit with Cardinals defensive lineman Antonio Smith for next week. Both played defensive end in 3-4 defenses, but would likely convert to defensive tackle in the Giants’ 4-3 scheme.
The surprising interest in defensive tackles could be a sign the Giants are worried about the way Barry Cofield and Fred Robbins wore down late last season. Both players recently underwent knee surgery.
With Haynesworth out of the mix, it’s not clear which of the three linemen the Giants preferred, though the 6-3, 308-pound Bernard, who turns 30 in April, figured to be considerably cheaper than either the 26-year-old Canty (6-7, 304) or the 27-year-old Smith (6-4, 285).
Boley, 26, has played mostly at strong-side linebacker.
MOVING FOR-WARD: RB Derrick Ward told Sirius NFL Radio that re-signing with the Giants was still a possibility, but he planned to visit Cincinnati and possibly St. Louis. … S James Butler visited St. Louis Friday.
