The New York Giants have a number of free agents to take care of this offseason and after Wednesday they have one less to deal with as they signed free agent offensive tackle Will Beatty to a five-year contract.
According to ESPN.com, the New York Giants announced the news on Wednesday and the deal is worth $38.75 million over that span, including $19 million in guaranteed money. Beatty was considered to be one of the best offensive linemen on the free agent market and was one of the top priorities for the Giants heading into 2013.
Beatty's agents, Alan Herman and Jared Fox did not confirm the deal on Wednesday to Adam Schefter at ESPN, but the two sides worked on the deal while at the scouting combine in Indianapolis over the weekend.
"We are very pleased to get a new deal done with Will," general manager Jerry Reese said. "We believe he is one of the ascending left tackles in the NFL."
The 28-year-old lineman has made 31 starts over 50 games played for the Giants after being drafted as a second round pick in the 2009 draft. The team has relied on him heavily as their offensive line gets older and he has been one of the most important blockers for Eli Manning over the past few years.
Beatty started 15 games last season at left tackle after missing time with a back injury during training camp and now the team will work on a deal with left guard Kevin Boothe, who is also a free agent.
"It's good to be home," Beatty said in a statement released by the Giants. "I'm glad I don't have any of those free agency jitters to deal with. It's settled, we're done and we're moving on. The contract is behind you -- you just have to make sure you're out there on the field and being a leader out there."
The Giants have a number of players they need to resign and deal with in free agency, including tight end Martellus Bennett and restricted free agents Victor Cruz, safety Stevie Brown and running back Andre Brown. The team cut a number of veteran players to make cap space, including Christ Canty, Michael Boley and running back Ahmad Bradshaw.
"I thought I improved last year, playing the entire season," Beatty said. "I want to get back on the field and keep ascending, keep rising. The sky's the limit for me. I know there is still a lot more out there. I haven't tapped into all of my potential yet. I'm looking forward to performing and growing each year."
The Giants have also made it a priority to sign Hakeem Nicks to a long-term deal, as he is entering the final year of his rookie contract. Cruz has made news about working on a deal with the Giants and the team would like to keep both receivers going forward. They signed Beatty at an affordable price to help strengthen the offensive line and will try to work out deals with both receivers.
