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Perhaps the New York Giants don't want to use Odell Beckham Jr. as a punt returner after all. The Giants have signed free agent Dwayne Harris, a wide receiver who doubled as an explosive kickoff and punt returner with the NFC East rival Dallas Cowboys the past four seasons.
Congrats to @D_Harris17 - heading to @Giants
— Chad Speck (@a3Chad) March 10, 2015
Harris quickly confirmed the news via his own Twitter account:
Will be talking my talents to the big apple #giants #NYC
— Dwayne Harris (@D_Harris17) March 10, 2015
ESPN's Josina Anderson is reporting that Harris' deal with the Giants will be for five years and $17.5 million. Newsday's Kim Martin says the deal includes $7.1 million guaranteed.
Harris, 28 next season, caught only seven passes for the Cowboys in 2014. He has 33 career receptions.
While the Giants have admittedly wanted to protect themselves at wide receiver in the event Victor Cruz does not return at 100 percent from his torn patellas tendon, Harris' biggest impact could come in the return game.
Harris has averaged 11.1 yards on 87 punt returns in four seasons, and 26.5 yards on 77 kickoff returns.
The Giants signed Quintin Demps to return kickoffs a year ago, but he flopped in the role. Trindon Holliday, signed to return punts, did not even make the season-opening roster.
All you need to know about Dwayne Harris signing: Harris: 2 career return TDs Giants: 2 return TDs since 2008
— Ebenezer Samuel (@ebenezersamuel) March 10, 2015
Your thoughts, Giants fans?