Free-agent tight end Martellus Bennett came to the conclusion last month that he was nothing more than a "temporary investment" to the New York Giants, but the team reportedly wants him around.
Ralph Vacchiano of the New York Daily News cited a team source Friday to report the Giants do, in fact, hope to re-sign Bennett before NFL free agency opens Tuesday afternoon. Bennett was correct to note that he was never the front office's top priority -- locking down left tackle Will Beatty for another five years was item No. 1 -- but Vacchiano reported the Giants want to keep their core together.
Kevin Boothe also is a target for re-signing, according to the newspaper, but if deals can't be reached, the Giants are prepared to seek out affordable backups. New York is roughly $9 million under the salary cap, but Vacchiano reported $6 million to $7 million likely will be tied up in restricted free agent tenders to running back Andre Brown, safety Stevie Brown and receiver Victor Cruz.
The Giants are coming off a disappointing season, but everything we've heard from coach Tom Coughlin to general manager Jerry Reese suggests the "R" word is being shunned. The Giants aren't rebuilding, but they aren't about to overpay for their supporting cast.
Follow Marc Sessler on Twitter @MarcSesslerNFL.
