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NY Giants move to enhance offensive line with big tackle

The New York Giants, content in the past to sign second-level free agents, made their second major move in two days by signing offensive tackle Kareem McKenzie on Friday to beef up a woeful offensive line.

McKenzie, the New York Jets' right tackle for the last three seasons, was considered one of the top two offensive tackles on the market. His signing will allow David Diehl, who played the position last year, to move to his natural guard position and bolster a unit that was a major reason for the Giants' 10-22 record the last two seasons.

"Kareem is a powerful and durable player and will improve an important position to us. He adds to an offensive line that is young and signed," said Giants' general manager Ernie Accorsi, who on Thursday signed middle linebacker Antonio Pierce, who played for Washington last season.

McKenzie will receive US$37.75 million over seven years, with a US$12.5 million signing bonus, numbers similar to those paid by San Francisco to Jonas Jennings, the other top tackle on the market. McKenzie gets US$18 million in the first three years of the deal.

The Jets signed an ex-Giant, defensive lineman Lance Legree. He has been primarily a part-time player in his four NFL seasons and is expected to help replace Jason Ferguson, who signed Thursday with Dallas. The Jets also formally announced the signing of Derrick Blaylock, the ex-Chief who will back up Curtis Martin at running back, and signed Denver tight end Jeb Putzier to an offer sheet worth US$12.5 million. The Broncos have a week to match it.

It was the second straight day that NFC East teams were active.

NFC champion Philadelphia re-signed Pro Bowl middle linebacker Jeremiah Trotter, a key player in the 13-3 Eagles run to the Super Bowl.

Trotter, who spent two years with the Redskins, returned to the team he left in a bitter contract dispute after the 2001 season and earned his third Pro Bowl trip despite starting just seven games.

"We retained a good player who really wanted to be here and we really wanted to have here," said Eagles president Joe Banner.

Cornerback Gary Baxter signed a six-year contract with Cleveland, who filled the hole in the defense created when Anthony Henry, who led the Browns with four interceptions last season, signed with Dallas. Baxter started 16 games for the Ravens last season, getting two sacks and an interception. He also can play safety.

After two frenetic days, the pace of free-agent signings slowed some as teams began to more carefully consider the field and the asking prices of free agents.

Drew Brees signed the "franchise player" tender of just over US$8 million from San Diego. The Chargers could try to trade him to give Philip Rivers a shot at quarterback, although the asking price of two No. 1 draft picks may be too high for most bidders.

Brees said he would be happy to stay with the Chargers.

"I was ready and eager to get the thing official," said Brees, who made US$1.56 million in base pay last year.

It wasn't the long-term deal he hoped for, but it was the next-best thing.

"I'm very happy," Brees said. "I'm ecstatic, the fact I get to be here for another year and build on the foundation that we've already kind of set for ourselves. We're only going to get better."

The Buffalo Bills replaced the departed Drew Bledsoe by signing quarterback Kelly Holcomb.

Holcomb, who spent last season backing up Jeff Garcia in Cleveland, will play behind sophomore J.P. Losman. The Bills released Bledsoe last week and he quickly signed with the Cowboys.

Holcomb made four appearances in 2004, including two starts. He finished 59-of-87 for 737 yards and seven touchdowns, with five interceptions.

Normally free-spending Washington declared itself done for now after signing center Casey Rabach and wide receiver David Patten.
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