Interested in DTs

If you think the Giants were done at defensive tackle just because they drafted Linval Joseph in the second round, think again.

Various reports indicate the Giants and the agent for just-released Jaguars' DT John Henderson, who played for Tom Coughlin for one season, have talked. Although Henderson has a visit scheduled with Kansas City, and will be scheduling several other teams, the Giants appear interested.

Also, Tampa Bay is going to cut defensive tackle Chris Hovan, so he might be another option for the Giants.

Adding fuel to all these rumors is a report on NFL.com that the Giants nearly pulled off a deal with the Saints involving restricted DT Barry Cofield before they chose East Carolina DT Linval Joseph in the second round. Sounds like the front office was as underwhelmed with Cofield's play in 2009 as some other observers, and probably feel that Cofield will never be a true force in the middle. They did give him a second-round tender, however, so they must have some belief in him.

Still, the rumored trade attempt might have been a case of getting rid of a guy a year too early, when he still has value, than a year too late. In either case, it's totally unclear whether Cofield's free agent future -- and the big contract he hopes will come with it -- will lie with the Giants or elsewhere.
EP