The New York Giants started their offseason by making some hard cuts to team veterans, including defensive tackle Chris Canty, who was released after being a key part of their championship run from the 2011 title.
Canty likely won't be off the market for long though and according to Mike Garofolo at USA Today. The report says that Canty met with the Tennessee Titans over the weekend and that he has another meeting planned with the Kansas City Chiefs, according to his agent Brad Blank. Canty's agent also said it was likely there would be other visits after those two teams.
The 30-year-old defensive lineman was cut by the Giants after signing with the team in 2009 since he was due a large salary and the team was close to the cap limit. Canty was set to make $6.5 million in total compensation in 2013 and the team felt they needed more room to possibly use to sign receivers Hakeem Nicks and Victor Cruz.
Canty was a productive player for the Giants during his time in New York, but he had knee surgery during last year's offseason and was forced to miss nearly half the season. Canty played in nine games, making just 26 tackles and 3.0 sacks. Over his last two seasons Canty played in all 16 games, but his first year in New York in 2009 he was limited to just eight.
Both the Titans and the Chiefs could be good fits for Canty due to their defensive schemes and Andy Reid has experience suing players as both defensive tackles and ends, which Canty can do when healthy. Canty played against Reid in all eight years of his career while with the Cowboys and Giants in the NFC East.
The Eagles also could be a strong possibility for Canty after signing Vick to a restructured deal, since they have more money to work with and they just traded away Jason Babin, their best past rusher, during the season.
Kansas City and Tennessee were ranked in the bottom 10 of the league in defensive scoring, with the Titans coming last in the NFL with nearly 30 points allowed per game. The Titans had issues stopping the run, ranking 24th in the league and that could be one area where Canty's large size and strength could be valuable.
The Chiefs were ranked 27th in the NFL in rushing defense, allowing over 130 yards per game and with Reid coming in as coach, the unit is ready for a complete overhaul. Canty could be one of the starting blocks for Reid's tenure with Kansas City.
