Good morning, New York Giants fans! Here are some notes for you this morning.
Giants CEO John Mara defends organization on Steve Smith, Kevin Boss departures | NJ.com
Mara said there was a new offer on the table for several weeks before Smith signed with the Eagles. The team would have liked the opportunity to counter, although even Mara conceded the Giants were not prepared to match the $2.281 million for one season that Smith received.
Boss signed a four-year, $16 million contract with Oakland, which Mara indicated was nearly twice as much guaranteed money as the Giants offered. Mara said Boss’ agent agreed to a deal with the Giants pending Boss’ approval.
"Kevin was actually on a plane to the East Coast and while he was on the plane hit the lottery," Mara said. "They were the only team in the league that was going to pay more than we were, and doubled the guaranteed the money."
Mara, incidentally, made his remarks while speaking with Mike Francesa on WFAN. Francesa conducted a plethora of interviews while broadcasting from the Timex Performance Center Wednesday. Links to the podcasts of each interview can be found at SB Nation New York. If, of course, you are inclined to spend some time listening.
UDFA LB Stephen Paysinger Getting First-Team Reps
With Michael Boley sidelined for the past couple of days, undrafted rookie Stephen Paysinger, a 6-foot-2, 236-pounder from Oregon, has been running with the first defensive unit.
"He's been very impressive," Coughlin said. "He's been all around. He's been very good with special teams. He's been good with coverage opportunities. He's been athletic in all the drills."
Rhys Lloyd Will Kick Monday -- Beyond That, No Guarantees
Coughlin would not bit when asked if Lloyd, a kickoff specialist who has never attempted a field goal in 50 regular-season NFL games, could be kept on the 53-man roster along with Lawrence Tynes or could be competition for him.
"He's the kicker of record for the game on Monday night, thank you very much," Coughlin said.
Giants' Travis Beckum catches heat from Kevin Gilbride in rocky training-camp practice | NJ.com
Wednesday's practice report from Mike Garafolo. Not a good day for third-year tight end Travis Beckum.