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2016 NFL free agency: Reggie Nelson agrees to terms with Oakland Raiders

Another veteran safety off the board.

Reggie Nelson returns an interception
Reggie Nelson returns an interception
Joe Camporeale-USA TODAY Sports

In case New York Giants fans needed more affirmation that the team does, indeed, plan to enter the season relying on its group of young, largely, unproven, safeties, veteran Reggie Nelson is now off the board.

Nelson, 32, is a nine-year veteran who spent the last six seasons with the Cincinnati Bengals. Fans have clamoring for Nelson, or at least asking why the Giants had not made a serious run at the long-time free safety. Now that isn't possible.

Perhaps the Giants will still add a safety in the draft, or bring in a low-cost veteran as insurance. As of now, though, it looks like the organization is absolutely serious about giving Nat Berhe, Bennett Jackson, and Mykkele Thompson an opportunity to compete to play next to second-year man Landon Collins.

This is what safeties coach Dave Merritt said last week when asked about his young group:

"I don't have concerns. I'm looking forward to seeing these guys come back. I'm looking forward to seeing the explosiveness, hopefully, out of a guy by the name of Bennett Jackson. Of course, (Nat) Berhe and the calf and the situation that he went through, looking forward to seeing him come back, and Mykkele Thompson. I'm just excited to see these guys when they get back here."

Passing on Nelson is another indication that he and the Giants aren't kidding about using their kids in 2016.