The New York Giants weren’t finished shoring up their defense after signing Janoris Jenkins early Wednesday morning.
Fox Sports NFL insider Mike Garafolo is reporting that the team has inked former Miami Dolphins defensive end Olivier Vernon to a free-agent contract.
Giants get DE Olivier Vernon, source says. For real.
— Mike Garafolo (@MikeGarafolo) March 9, 2016
Vernon was originally handed the transition tag by Miami earlier this month. Though, that was rescinded when the team signed Mario Williams away from the Buffalo Bills on Tuesday.
Vernon, 25, is considered one of the top young pass rushers in the NFL. He recorded 7.5 sacks for the Dolphins last season and has tallied 25.5 quarterback take downs over the past three seasons.
He’s also a perfect fit as a hands-down defensive end in the Giants 4-3 scheme, which will make this a seamless transition for the former Miami (F) standout.
This comes on the heels of the Giants retaining fellow defensive end Jason Pierre-Paul on a one-year contract earlier in the week.
It will now give the Giants two really good book ends along a defensive front that has struggled considerably over the past few seasons.
The deal is said to be worth a ridiculous $85 million over five seasons with $52.5 in guarantees. Needless to say, Vernon got paid big time.
He might owe the Dolphins a thanks after inking this whopper of a deal.