Giants Acquire Oliver Vernon

(photo credit: gothamsn.com)

The New York Giants snagged another big fish from the NFL free agent pool as they undergo a complete rebuild on defense. The Giants signed former Dolphins defensive end Olivier Vernon according to sources with knowledge of the situation. The Giants gave Vernon a huge contract, he accepted a five year $85.5 million contract with $52.5 million in guaranteed money.

The Giants won in a bidding war against the Jacksonville Jaguars who desperately needed a revamped defensive front. The Dolphins rescinded their transition tag on Vernon so they could receive draft compensation from any team who signed Vernon. Vernon had 61 tackles and a career high 7.5 sacks last season. Vernon is considered the best 4-3 defensive end in the league. The Giants ranked dead last in the league last season in total defense, they also gave up 121 rushing yards per game.

Vernon and Jason Pierre-Paul will be the edge rushers. Damon Harrison who was signed from the Jets and holdover Johnathan Hankins will clog up the middle of the line. Vernon was part of the Giants huge day as they also signed Harrison and former Los Angeles Rams cornerback Janoris Jenkins. The Giants overpaid for Vernon as he is now making more money than J.J. Watt who is arguably the best player in the league.

The Houston Texans defensive tackle makes a hair under what Vernon will make. The Giants were desperate to upgrade a horrible defense and defensive line. The Giants did a fantastic job of upgrading on a defense that was terrible all of last year and they even gave up 52 points in one game. The Giants finished the year with a 6-10 record and they hope to snap a three year playoff drought this season.