by Mike Garafolo/The Star-Ledger
Thursday February 21, 2008, 10:39 PM
INDIANAPOLIS -- With their top two free-agent targets wearing pricey franchise tags, the Giants are trying another route toward getting a top cornerback: A trade with the Atlanta Falcons for two-time Pro Bowler DeAngelo Hall.
According to two people with knowledge of preliminary discussions between the teams, the Giants are willing to give Atlanta their first-round pick (31st overall) in April's draft in exchange for Hall. The people requested anonymity because of the private nature of the trade talks.
Giants general manager Jerry Reese declined to comment today at the NFL Scouting Combine when asked whether the Giants have inquired about Hall, the eighth overall pick in the 2004 draft.
Hall's agent, Joel Segal, could not be reached for comment.
The Giants had hoped to make a run at the Seahawks' Marcus Trufant and the Raiders' Nnamdi Asomugha, according to one of the people familiar with the team's offseason plans, but each was made the franchise player by their respective teams.
As compensation, the Giants would owe two first-round picks if they signed either player. Patriots cornerback Asante Samuel, who will become a free agent next Friday, is viewed by the Giants more as a player whose success is the product of New England's defensive system than his own ability.
Hall, 24, is a fast, tough and talented player who has 17 interceptions in his four NFL seasons.
Thursday February 21, 2008, 10:39 PM
INDIANAPOLIS -- With their top two free-agent targets wearing pricey franchise tags, the Giants are trying another route toward getting a top cornerback: A trade with the Atlanta Falcons for two-time Pro Bowler DeAngelo Hall.
According to two people with knowledge of preliminary discussions between the teams, the Giants are willing to give Atlanta their first-round pick (31st overall) in April's draft in exchange for Hall. The people requested anonymity because of the private nature of the trade talks.
Giants general manager Jerry Reese declined to comment today at the NFL Scouting Combine when asked whether the Giants have inquired about Hall, the eighth overall pick in the 2004 draft.
Hall's agent, Joel Segal, could not be reached for comment.
The Giants had hoped to make a run at the Seahawks' Marcus Trufant and the Raiders' Nnamdi Asomugha, according to one of the people familiar with the team's offseason plans, but each was made the franchise player by their respective teams.
As compensation, the Giants would owe two first-round picks if they signed either player. Patriots cornerback Asante Samuel, who will become a free agent next Friday, is viewed by the Giants more as a player whose success is the product of New England's defensive system than his own ability.
Hall, 24, is a fast, tough and talented player who has 17 interceptions in his four NFL seasons.
see Randy Moss in Oakland. Go Giants!
