NFL Free Agency Rumors: Kelvin Sheppard Set to Join Giants
The New York Giants are dead serious about their campaign this season; this time, they've added another player to boost the defensive line in the person of free agent linebacker Kelvin Sheppard, who last season played for the Miami Dolphins. Although no details were provided about the contract or the money Sheppard is making, rumors have it that it is substantially lower compared to the money other newcomers received from the team.
Sheppard himself announced last Sunday that he is heading to New York for a change of scenery and opportunities. The 28-year old actually was quite effective in Miami, especially last season where he produced a career-high 105 tackles, but it looks like the prospect of playing for the Giants made it enticing for him.
According to NFL.com, the Giants previously made it known that they are looking for a veteran to provide backup in the linebacker position and Sheppard seemed to be the perfect fit. Before his two-season stint in Miami, he played for Indianapolis. He came into the league via the 2011 NFL Draft, when the Buffalo Bills selected him in the third round. He faced inconsistent roles all throughout his career, having endured as a backup and also enjoying stints as a starter from time to time.
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In 16 games with the Dolphins last season, he logged in 72 tackles, although he can do more if given more chances on the field. During his first two years as a pro for the Bills, he played as a starter, where he polished his abilities at his position. With the Colts in 2013, he was primarily used as a backup, similar to the role he played in his first year in Miami.
Aside from Sheppard, the Giants also offered lucrative deals to defensive end Olivier Vernon and cornerback Janoris Jenkins, as well as Jason Pierre-Paul and Damon Harrison, who last played for the Jets.
