Vonta Leach has only been on the free agent market for two weeks and is already receiving plenty of interest from teams. After the Baltimore Ravens released the fullback because of salary cap issues, a number of NFL teams have called his number. While the 31-year old appeared to be set to sign with the Miami Dolphins, according to the New York Daily News, the New York Giants are making a run at Leach before he agrees to a deal.
The Giants are prepared to increase their original contract offer to Leach in hopes of luring him away from the Dolphins. They originally tried to sign him with a minimum one-year deal that is given to most veteran free agents this offseason, but as they remain in contact with Leach's agent, they will likely increase the offer to win him over.
The Giants are trying to prepare their roster incase Henry Hynoski is unable to play. The fullback injured his knee in the team's first spring practice in late May. He underwent surgery and is expected to miss most of training camp. The Giants will likely start his season on the Physically Unable to Perform list. Hynoski originally released a statement saying that intends on playing in the team's season opener on Sept. 8, but New York is not so optimistic.
Head coach Tom Coughlin would only say that he hopes the goal is realistic. The Giants currently do not have another fullback on the roster, so with no depth at the position, they need to make a move. Tight end Bear Pascoe played the position during camp but is not a long-term option. Leach is someone the team is very familiar with. They originally targeted him back in 2007 before he signed on with the Houston Texans. Now on the market, the Giants have a chance to get back their original first choice.
New York only has $3.3 million in salary cap space to work with. The Dolphins have $17.6 million. the Houston Texans are also still in the running for Leach. If the Giants are going to be successful at signing Leach with their limited space, they will have to create some kind of multi-year contract. Miami currently remains the favorite to sign the veteran. Leach visited team facilities on June 12 and the team is preparing a contract offer. Leach is not planning on making any more free agent visits and the decision will come down to who offers the most money.