The New York Giants re-signed injured cornerback Terrell Thomas to a one-year deal on Monday, bringing back a player to the team that has been injured in each of the past three seasons.
According to sources who spoke to ESPNNewYork.com, Thomas signed a one-year deal after missing the entire regular season in 2012 after suffering an ACL injury in training camp. This will be his third comeback from serious knee injuries and he had a $6 million option in his contract in March, meaning the Giants had to make a move to help with cap space.
The two sides have come together for a new deal and Thomas tweeted a picture of his helmet on Monday, sort of confirming the deal.
"I'm blessed and happy to have another opportunity to play football, especially with such a loyal organization, the one I started my career with," Thomas said in a statement released by the Giants. "For them to give me another opportunity to prove myself, I feel very blessed."
Thomas was supposed to be the primary starter opposite Corey Webster, but after he got injured the team turned to young stars Prince Amukamara and Jayron Hosely. Thomas was originally hurt while making a comeback from his 2011 ACL injury.
"My knee feels great," Thomas added. "It was a little struggle at first. It was a little inconsistent with the swelling. But for the last month-and-a half I haven't dealt with any swelling at all. It's progressed the last two weeks since I started running. The doctors are really happy with the way I'm progressing. They had to increase my workload because it wasn't enough."
After the season ended general manager Jerry Reese said a position change could possibly help Thomas with his knees.
"At this point, I don't care if they move me to kicker," Thomas said. "I just want to play football."
His last regular season appearance with the team was on the final day of the 2010 season. The Giants secondary is solid right now with Antrel Rolle and backups Will Hill and Tyler Sash at safety, but Thomas could provide depth at that position if the team can't keep Stevie Brown, who is a restricted free agent and Kenny Phillips, who is an unrestricted free agent.
Webster could be a casualty for the Giants, as he is owed a nice amount of money and he is in the last year of his deal. He struggled last season as the primary corner and the Giants were ranked in the bottom half of the NFL in passing yards allowed per game.
"It's been a long two years," Thomas said. "It's definitely been a test of my will. But it's made me a stronger person. It showed me a lot of things about myself that I needed to fix and at the same time it showed me how strong I was. It's been a tough time for me and my family and especially beating myself up."