Free agent fullback Vonta Leach was assumed to be signing with a team sometime earlier in the week. After gaining interest from multiple teams, Leach still remains on the market after negotiations have stalled. Like most things, money is the root of the problem in Leach getting on a team, but after the Miami Dolphins failed to sign Leach, the New York Giants become the best option.
The Kansas City Chiefs were the first team to back out of the Leach race. His agent, Ralph Vitolo confirmed the two parties had discussions over Leach. However, ESPN's Bill Williamson reports that the Chiefs are very unlikely to sign Leach. The team is very tight on salary cap space and they still have to sign the No. 1 overall pick Eric Fisher. Leach would be too much of a luxury signing.
The Miami Dolphins were thought to be the frontrunner for Leach. He had visited team facilities early after getting dropped by the Baltimore Ravens, yet the two sides have not agreed to a deal. Vitolo even said the Dolphins were the right place for the Pro Bowler. The team is in desperate need of the lead back and Leach can be a starter immediately.
"It's the right place to be. We're trying to crunch the numbers," Vitolo said.
The Dolphins still have plenty of cap space to sign Leach, but the longer they continue to wait, the more the New York Giants enter as the best option. The team already plans on upping their contract offer for the fullback in hopes of luring him away from South Beach. Leach does not want a one-year deal. While the Giants do not have $17.6 million still remaining in cap room, they might try and add another year onto the contract.
The Giants need Leach. Their plan of having Henry Hynoski start at the position was foiled after the fullback was injured early in offseason workouts. Hynoski remains optimistic that he will be ready by the start of the season, but the Giants are not as positive he will be ready in time to make an impact early. As of now, Bear Pascoe will take the spot, but Leach would be the better option.
Since it was assumed that Leach would already be under contract, it is technically any one's game to land him. The Giants cannot start the season with Pascoe and are the best option to give a better deal. Vitolo will squeeze as much money out of a team as possible.
