Giants officially announce Brandon Marshall signing

The New York Giants made the signing of veteran wide receiver Brandon Marshall official Wednesday afternoon.

“Brandon is a big, talented wide receiver who we believe can still play at a very high level,” general manager Jerry Reese said in a statement released by the team. “But, most of all, we believe he still has the hunger.”

The Giants will be the 33-year-old Marshall’s fifth team. He has 941 career receptions, nearly 300 more than the 668 of Giants’ all-time franchise leader Amani Toomer. He has six Pro Bowl appearances, an NFL record six seasons with more than 100 receptions and has exceeded 1,000 yards receiving eight times in 11 years.

Marshall have 59 receptions for the New York Jets last season, lowest total since he became a starter with the Denver Broncos in 2007.

Here is some of what Marshall had to say in the release issued by the Giants.

On how much he has left ...

“I feel great,” he said in the Giants’ Quest Diagnostics Training Center headquarters this morning. “I started my training three weeks ago. I have lot to prove. I have a chip on my shoulder. When you get to the plus side of 30, a lot of people say that you’re done. I’ve always been that type of player, to use things like that as fuel. I’m approaching this year like it’s my rookie year. I want to try to outwork everyone and do my best to be the best receiver I can be.

“I think it’s the perfect situation for me. There’s a stability in ownership. Since I’ve been in New York, all I’ve heard is amazing things about how well-run this organization is. Now I can understand why everybody holds the Giants organization so high.”

On Eli Manning “probably” being the best quarterback he has ever played with ...

“Not probably. He is,” Marshall said. “I’ve played with some great quarterbacks. Ryan Fitzpatrick (his quarterback with the Jets) is probably one of my favorite quarterbacks that I’ve played with. I see a lot of similarities there. I don’t think people realize how hard Eli works in the film room and in the classroom, and how he’s an amazing leader. Obviously, we know about his physical ability. What’s not reported is how hard he works off the field. With Ryan Fitzpatrick, I’m used to that type of approach, where they’re leaders and they also push you in the classroom. So being able to play with a guy who’s a two-time Super Bowl champion and has done some amazing things in this league for a long time, he’s a warrior, and I’m looking forward to following him.”

On how he can help Odell Beckham Jr. and Sterling Shepard ...

“Whatever our room needs,” Marshall said. “I know my number one job is to take pressure off the other receivers by doing my job and being a great receiver. I think that naturally will happen as far as being able to be that older guy in the room where they can learn from my history and my experiences. There is a lot that they can pull from. Hopefully, we’ll learn from each other.

“I’m super excited to play with and experience an awesome quarterback in Eli Manning and play with the biggest superstar in the NFL, Odell, on the other side. I’m eager to take pressure of him. He’s seen funky coverages. So many teams do everything they can to pull him out of the game.”

On the fact that he has never been on a playoff team, with his 167 game played without a playoff appearance being the most of any active player ...

“That’s why I’m here,” he said. “I’m here just because of that reason, because I want to finish my career as a winner.”