Veteran safety Deon Grant is likely to return to the New York Giants, according to a report this morning from the Star-Ledger.

This would be a welcome addition to the Giants defense. Grant was a key player for defensive coordinator Perry Fewell a season ago, often playing a linebacker-type role as the third safety in the Giants' three-safety package. Grant, 32, had three interceptions, 10 passes defensed last season and 72 tackles.

Without Grant, Terrell Thomas has been working in the slot and Aaron Ross has been on the outside when the Giants have gone to packages with extra defensive backs.

Ross did not play particularly well Saturday in the preseason opener against Carolina, missing a couple of tackles and too often being in trail mode in pass coverage. Rookie sixth-round pick Tyler Sash played well against the run, even forcing a fumble, but struggled in pass coverage.

Grant had been thought to be seeking a team that would make him a full-time starter. He won't be that with the Giants, but the 11-year veteran will be an upgrade and will provide the team with experienced depth at safety -- something they do not currently have.