Not surprisingly, the Giants have offered extended contracts for more
money to each man on their coaching staff. They are looking to re-sign
players Mitchell and Wilson before free agency starts. Also, there is
a rumor that the Giants may be looking to acquire Falcons DB DeAngelo
Hall.

http://snipurl.com/2069v

< for Tom Coughlin as "really not a sense of urgency," which is proof of
the inevitability of the situation. The deal will get done in the next
few days, and talks figure to heat up now that Mara, a member of the
NFL's competition committee, has completed his meetings at the NFL
Scouting Combine in Indianapolis.

Mara said there are no real problems with the negotiation, and, soon
enough, Coughlin will agree to what will most likely be a four-year
extension worth slightly more than $20 million. That would link
Coughlin to the GiantsNew York Giants until he turns 65 years old, a
fitting conclusion to a coaching career that reached the pinnacle with
this season's stunning Super Bowl title.

Most everyone associated with the Giants is reaping the benefits of
the Super Bowl triumph. Nearly every Giants assistant coach had one
year remaining on his contract, but all have been offered two or three-
year extensions for more money.

Offensive coordinator Kevin Gilbride, whose contract was set to run
out at the end of March, was rewarded with a new deal. Already,
defensive coordinator Steve Spagnuolo cashed in with a three-year, $6
million deal after being wooed by the Redskins for their head-coaching
job.

Coughlin will speak today at the Combine and GM Jerry Reese will meet
with the media tomorrow. Reese has had little down time since the
playoff run ended, with the start of free agency arriving Feb. 29 and
the Giants unquestionably wanting to re-sign two key members of their
defense, safety Gibril WilsonGibril Wilson and linebacker Kawika
MitchellKawika Mitchell . Both are set to become unrestricted free
agents, and the Giants want to secure both before they hit the open
market.

That is more likely to happen with Mitchell, who made a strong
impression in his first year with the Giants. Reese considers Mitchell
a winning player whom he wants to keep with what likely will be a
three-year offer.

Wilson might be the best safety on the market, if he gets that far,
and the Giants know they will have to put together a significant
package to keep him. If Wilson becomes a free agent, he will receive
numerous offers and, although he wants to stay with the team that
drafted him in 2004, he may find more money elsewhere.

Retaining the services of their own players - the team has already re-
signed kicker Lawrence Tynes and punter Jeff Feagles and, for the
right price, wants to bring back running back Derrick Ward and
linebacker Reggie Torbor - is a top priority for the Giants.

For the second consecutive offseason, the Giants do not figure to be
huge players in free agency. However, according to a published report,
they are exploring the possibility of trading their first-round draft
pick (31st overall) to the Falcons in exchange for cornerback DeAngelo
Hall.

Hall, a two-time Pro Bowler, engaged in a wild sideline confrontation
this past season with former Falcons coach Bobby Petrino. Hall,
though, is considered one of the top young cover corners in the
league. >>

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DocE


"The future ain't what it used to be." -Yogi Berra
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