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The New York Giants signed a linebacker Friday afternoon. Not Jon Beason. Not free-agent Jameel McClain. The Giants have reportedly re-signed reserve middle linebacker Mark Herzlich, which helps their special teams and offers them depth, but doesn't solve their linebacker issue.
Herzlich could have received a restricted free-agent tender of $1.43 million. Terms of the deal were not disclosed, but it is almost certainly for less than that.
In three seasons with the Giants Herzlich has started six of the 43 games he has been active for. Herzlich had a team-leading 13 special teams tackles for the Giants in 2013. While he has never been able to establish himself as a starting linebacker, Herzlich is a valuable member of the coverage units.
Herzlich will be 27 next season.
NFL teams can begin negotiating with potential free agents who are under contract to other teams on Saturday. The free-agent signing period begins Tuesday, March 11.