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New York Giants News: Jasper Brinkley Signed

By Kenneth Teape

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The New York Giants continue to tinker with their roster despite the regular season opener being only days away. When the Giants open up the season against the Dallas Cowboys on Sunday Night Football, they will have another familiar Cowboys face, as they signed linebacker Jasper Brinkley.

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Brinkley was signed by the Cowboys in March to a two-year contract, but was unable to make through final cuts and was released over the weekend. He will still get a nice chunk of change from the Cowboys, $2 million to be exact, despite only being there for about five months. In addition to whatever he makes with the Giants, it is turning out to be a solid financial year for Brinkley.

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Because he is making money with the Cowboys, the Giants do not have to pay him as much as a free agent. That makes me another cost efficient, cheaper option to a player they cut in Jameel McClain. That has been a theme it seems this offseason for the Giants, as they also let go of veterans Henry Hynoski and Steve Weatherford for cheaper, younger options, which is what Brinkley represents compared to McClain.

Brinkley will most likely be depth at middle linebacker for the Giants, something that is needed with the injury history of Jon Beason. Uani’ Unga showed enough during training camp and the preseason to earn a spot on the roster, but having some veteran insurance is never a bad thing at a position the Giants notoriously fail to address since Antonio Pierce left town.

Brinkley struggles in pass coverage, but he is a more than capable two-down run thumper in the middle. According to Pro Football Focus, Brinkley never once entered the -1.0 score range over the course of the season, racking up 54 solo tackles (74 combined), one sack and one forced fumble. Those numbers came across 16 games, but only 11 of which he started, which means he is productive still despite having a full time role.

Also, Brinkley could help the Giants prepare for the Cowboys. Spending the whole offseason with them he probably picked up some knowledge of things they do, which can only help the Giants game plan. Gaining additional information on an opponent can never hurt, and it is something Brinkley should be able to provide in some capacity.

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To make room for Brinkley on the roster, the Giants waived Asa Jackson. Jackson, who the Giants were awarded on waivers earlier in the week, lasted only two days with the team before being released.

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