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New York Giants Rumors: Chris Conte A Target At Safety?

By Kenneth Teape

Nov 15, 2015; Tampa, FL, USA; Tampa Bay Buccaneers strong safety Chris Conte (23) during the second half at Raymond James Stadium. Tampa Bay Buccaneers defeated the Dallas Cowboys 10-6. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 15, 2015; Tampa, FL, USA; Tampa Bay Buccaneers strong safety Chris Conte (23) during the second half at Raymond James Stadium. Tampa Bay Buccaneers defeated the Dallas Cowboys 10-6. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports /
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New York Giants Rumors: With a gaping hole at safety, could the Giants turn to Chris Conte to fill the void?

New York Giants rumors continue to run rampant as NFL Free Agency continues it’s first week of being open. The New York Giants hit it big on the first day of free agency, spending a ton of money to improve their defense after a horrific 2015 season. First they retained Jason Pierre-Paul, then added arguably the best cornerback on the market in Janoris Jenkins. After that, the Giants got back to improving their defensive line, signing Damon Harrison away from the New York Jets and Olivier Vernon away from the Miami Dolphins.

Both Harrison and Vernon are huge upgrades for the Giants, as their run defense and pass rush are greatly improved. Harrison was arguably the best 3-4 nose tackle in the NFL last season, while Vernon graded out as the best 4-3 defensive end in the NFL according to Pro Football Focus. Both players should help turn around the Giants defense immediately, as they have a fearsome defensive line with those three players and Johnathan Hankins, and a strong duo at cornerback with Jenkins and Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie.

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But, there is still plenty of work for the Giants to do as free agency continues. They have a couple of other areas on the team that need to be shored up, including the offensive line and wide receiver offensively. On defense, they have already spent a lot but there is still one more need; safety.

The Giants safety position was one of the worst in the NFL last season. They allowed veterans such as Antrel Rolle, Quintin Demps and Stevie Brown leave as free agents, but did not bring anyone in to replace them. The position was ravaged by injuries throughout the season, as they had street free agents such as Brandon Meriweather and Craig Dahl playing major snaps at the position.

Rookie second round pick Landon Collins was almost guaranteed a starting spot the second he was selected by the Giants, but he played out of position most of the season. Without a coverage safety to play centerfield, the Giants too often allowed their rookie to get exposed in pass coverage instead of allowing him to play to his strengths in the run game.

According to NFL Network’s Rand Getlin, the Giants have their sights set on a target to pair next to Collins at safety.

Conte spent the first four seasons of his NFL career with the Chicago Bears before playing last season with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. The Buccaneers reportedly tried to work out a deal with him at the NFL Scouting Combine, but were unable to make a deal.

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Conte would be a solid upgrade for the Giants despite not being a household name. He may not be an All-Pro or Pro Bowler, but he would be an upgrade over what they had last season. He recorded two interceptions and six passes defended last season in 14 games with 79 tackles.

While many Giants fans may want the team to go after veteran Eric Weddle, who is not expected to return to the San Diego Chargers, Conte makes a lot of sense as well. He will not cost as much as Weddle, and while he may not be as talented he is four years younger, so he could have more productive seasons left than Weddle. Also, the money that the Giants save with signing Conte over Weddle could be used somewhere else, such as linebacker, wide receiver or along the offensive line.

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If the Giants are unable to hold off the Saints or Buccaneers for Conte’s services, expect them to quickly turn their attention to someone such as veteran Reggie Nelson so that they can avoid the disaster they had at the position in 2015 with such little experience.

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