Former WVU quarterback signs with Giants
Geno Smith is switching teams in the Jersey Meadowlands.
The quarterback has agreed to terms with the New York Giants, pending passing a physical, a person with knowledge of the decision told the Associated Press Friday.
Like receiver Brandon Marshall last week, Smith is leaving the Jets but remaining in the same stadium. The person spoke on condition of anonymity because the deal has not been announced.
The 26-year-old Smith was a second-round draft choice by the Jets in 2013, but his stint with them was marred by injuries and inconsistency. He also lost his starting job in 2015 after then-teammate IK Enemkpali broke Smith’s jaw with a punch during training camp.
When Smith did get onto the field last season, it was brief. Ryan Fitzpatrick was benched for poor play, but Smith tore his right ACL in the second quarter against Baltimore and was done for the season.
That was his first start since 2014.
Smith will be a backup to Eli Manning, of course, and considering that Manning doesn’t miss games, his role might not include much field time for the Giants.
Marshall left the Jets for the Giants and got a two-year, $12 million contract.
Giants re-sign Pierre-Paul:
Star defensive end Jason Pierre-Paul has signed a four-year contract with the New York Giants.
The team gave Pierre-Paul the franchise tag last month, and reached the long-term deal Friday. A two-time Pro Bowl player, Pierre-Paul had gotten the franchise designation for the second time in three years.
Two summers ago, on July 4, Pierre-Paul’s right hand was severely damaged in a fireworks accident in Florida. He missed the first half of that season, but JPP returned for the final eight games. He started all 12 games he played last year and has a strong finish as the Giants made the playoffs.
McCown on Jets’ radar: Josh McCown might be the answer in the short term, at least for the quarterback-needy Jets.
The free agent QB is meeting with New York on Friday and Saturday, according to a person with direct knowledge of the situation.
The Jets have just the inexperienced Bryce Petty and Christian Hackenberg on their roster, and McCown would provide a veteran presence who could potentially start and be a mentor to the youngsters. Ryan Fitzpatrick and Geno Smith are both free agents and Smith has agreed to terms with the Jets’ New York neighbors, the Giants, pending passing a physical.
NFL to hire second female official: A person with knowledge of the hiring tells the Associated Press that the NFL is adding a second female official, Terri Valenti, to work as an instant replay official next season.
Valenti will join Sarah Thomas, who has been a line judge since 2015. The person spoke on condition of anonymity because the league has not announced the hiring.
The instant replay official is the individual in charge of the replay crew at the stadium on game day.
Sporting News first reported Valenti’s addition to the NFL’s officiating ranks.