New York Giants’ news, 7/27: Antrel Rolle wants to lead

Though it’s the weekend for New York Giants fans, it’s the first day of practice for the players who reported to training camp at the newly-named Quest Diagnostics Training Center on Friday.

Antrel Rolle has never been one who has been lost for words, and in today's notebook the Giants safety tackles a new topic: leadership.

After an off-season of reflection and looking forward to the 2013 season, Rolle realized that with the losses of key veterans – Ahmad Bradshaw, Michael Boley, Chris Canty, Chase Blackburn and Kenny Phillips – he would need to be that transformative voice.

"I understand pretty much what it takes to be a leader a whole lot more this year, for whatever reason," Rolle said to ESPN New York at the end of minicamp. "I think there are natural-born leaders. Some people try to adapt to it. I know I'm a natural-born leader."

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The team made its first transaction of training camp, waiving kicker David Buehler to make room for fullback Ryan D’Imperio. This move all but ends the chances the Giants sign Pro Bowler Vonta Leach, who is reportedly heading back to the Baltimore Ravens.

Five Giants will begin training camp on the PUP list, and it's no surprise that they are Jason Pierre-Paul, Henry Hynoski, Chris Snee, Terrell Thomas and Markus Kuhn.

After previously saying he believed he took less money than he deserved, Victor Cruz backtracked. The wide receiver said his comments were "depicted the wrong way."

ESPN New York outlines the top 10 issues the Giants face entering training camp.

Giants.com writer Michael Eisen answered fan questions of the team’s defensive philosophy, and discussed how the new-look linebacking corps will fare in 2013.

Giants co-owner John Mara is not fazed by the roster uncertainty or a "closing window"; he is confident the Super Bowl could be in the cards for not only this season but the future, too.

Around the NFC East

Free-agent linebacker Joe Mays, who was recently released by the Denver Broncos, will reportedly visit the Washington Redskins.

'Skins defensive end Jarvis Jenkins has been suspended four games for violating the NFL P.E.D. policy.

There's a quarterback competition brewing in Philly, and each brings a different skill-set to the table. Chip Kelly is known for his up-tempo offense, but the Philadelphia Eagles head coach told CSNPhilly.com if he called 20 read-option plays with Nick Foles, "I should be fired."

Dallas Cowboys defensive end Anthony Spencer underwent successful surgery on his left knee this week. The pass-rusher is expected to return before the season opener Sept. 8 against the Giants.

Tony Romo: future offensive coordinator?

SportsCenter conducted a fan vote Friday evening, in which 32 percent thought this team would win the NFC East.

Around the League

Green Bay Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers does not appreciate being lied to by Milwaukee Brewers slugger Ryan Braun, who recently admitted using P.E.D.s.

Speaking of P.E.D.s, Minnesota Vikings running back Adrian Peterson is certain players are using HGH, and he's looking forward to the NFL establishing a testing program to even the playing field.

After teams began to adopt the read-option offense with more dual-threat quarterbacks, NFL defensive coaches had to figure out how to stop it, which meant a trip back to college.