Giants Sign DT Marcus Bell, DB Michael Stone

It took until April 13th but the Giants finally started to address some of their needs and depth issues. The day began with the signing of free agent quarterback Anthony Wright and ended with the additions of defensive tackle Marcus Bell and defensive back Michael Stone.

While I was openly displeased with the Wright signing, I am thrilled with the addition of Marcus Bell. One of the Giants biggest concerns this offseason was finding a run-stuffing DT/NT and that's exactly what Bell brings to the table. The 6'2 and 326 pound Bell collected 40 tackles, one sack and one forced fumble last year. In all likelihood he'll be used in rotation with Barry Cofield and Fred Robbins; primarily used on rushing downs.

Unlike Bell who will come in and have a specific job, Stone will not. He is an underperforming defensive back but he does excel on special teams. For that reason I am also pleased with this signing. The Giants special teams unit left a lot to be desired last year so any additional help can only be positive.

Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)

4-14-2007 @ 1:48PM

fanfor55years said...

Boy, I don't know about taking Arizona's and Houston's castoffs. With the number of problems those teams have, and the fact that neither of these guys is very high-priced, you have to assume that their coordinators didn't much like what they were seeing. Bell is a decent run defender and maybe adding him can help Cofield and Robbins stay healthy and available, but he sure isn't a long-term solution. Stone is a mystery to me. Yeah, he's been a good special teams guy, and the Giants need some heart on those teams, but can he take a roster spot if that prevents someone who could turn into a good defensive back (which he, apparently, isn't after years of trying to get there) from getting that spot? I just don't get the Wright deal. Sure he has a bit more game experience than the current backups, but it would be a big mistake to let Lorenzen go (that arm is money) and Hasselback has great character. Who are they going to cut?

4-14-2007 @ 2:33PM

Dan Benton said...

Fan - Hopefully Lorenzen and Hasselbeck beat Wright out in the preseason. His signing (for two years) makes no sense to me either. On the other hand, I still think the addition of Bell is a good one. He fills a serious need.

4-14-2007 @ 2:36PM

Flip said...

At this point I'd get excited about them bringing in a water boy. They really have done nothing this offseason but get worse.

I am all for building through the draft but when you lose a WR, TE, 2 OL, 2 LB and a punt returner on an already mediocre team I'm not sure the draft can make them competitive. Let's hope they don't make a trade involving next years #1 because it's going to be a top 10 or better...