New York Giants Official Website

Free Agent frenzy continues
Giants sign free agent D-Lineman Chris Canty
By Michael Eisen, Giants.com

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MARCH 1, 2009

EAST RUTHERFORD, NJ - The Giants continued to strengthen their defense today when they signed lineman Chris Canty, their third addition to one of the NFL's top units in two days.

He joins linebacker Michael Boley and tackle Rocky Bernard as new members of the Giants' defense. Boley and Bernard were signed yesterday.

"We had a conviction on who we liked in the free agent market and who could help us get better," said General Manager Jerry Reese of this weekend's three signings. "We let the three players know that, and the feeling was mutual. They want to win, and they wanted to be here. Fortunately, we were able to get the deals done quickly."

Canty, a 6-7, 305-pounder, played his first four seasons for the Giants' NFC East rivals, the Dallas Cowboys. He played all 64 games with 50 starts during that time and started all 16 games in each of the last three seasons. Canty, 26, totaled 148 tackles (102 solo), 10.0 sacks, eight passes defensed, a forced fumble and a fumble recovery.

"Chris is an athletic, big man who can play anywhere in our front," said Reese. "He gives us a lot of flexibility in that respect. Our defensive line did a very good job last year, but without Osi and Stray, we seemed to get worn down late in the season and we weren't able to generate the kind of pass rush that we're accustomed to. Hopefully with the addition of Rocky and Chris, and with Osi coming back, that won't happen again."

Added Head Coach Tom Coughlin, "This is an outstanding 'get' for the New York Giants. Chris is a very highly touted player. He is an outstanding football player. I always like the idea of getting a player who has competed within the division."

In 2008, Canty started every game at defensive end and finished with 37 tackles (25 solo), 3.0 sacks and five passes defensed. Seven of the tackles and two of those sacks were against the Giants.

Canty entered the NFL as the Cowboys' fourth-round choice from the University of Virginia in the 2005 draft, the 132nd overall selection. As a rookie, he split time at right end with Greg Ellis and led all Dallas defensive linemen with 43 tackles (26 solo), including 2.5 sacks. He made his first NFL start in Giants Stadium on Dec. 4 and contributed four tackles.

"I'm excited about getting the opportunity to come here and be a part of this team and this organization," said Canty. "I'm so happy. The Giants have a great winning tradition, and I am excited to come here and have a chance to win a championship."

In 2006, he had 33 tackles and a sack and added seven tackles in an NFC Wild Card Game at Seattle. The following season, he had career-high totals of 46 tackles and 3.5 sacks and added three tackles and a sack in the NFC Divisional Playoff Game against the Giants.

Canty has played eight regular season games against the Giants and his 24 tackles (17 solo) and 3.0 sacks are his highest totals against any opponent.

"I always get excited when I come up here to play," said Canty.

"That's a big factor," said Coughlin of the faceoffs Canty has had with the Giants. "He has played some outstanding games against us. Our offensive linemen know the quality of the player. He is very talented and serious about his work."

Canty was a two-time All-ACC selection at Virginia, where he led the conference's defensive linemen in tackles as a sophomore and junior. His senior season ended in the fourth game, when he tore his left anterior cruciate ligament.

Canty was born in The Bronx on Nov. 10, 1982 and was an all-state tight end and defensive end at the Latin School in Charlotte, N.C.

"He spent the first 11 years of his life in New York and he still has family here," said Coughlin, "and when we met he even talked about how special this area still is to him and the feeling he got flying back here."

Canty has been an end in Dallas' 3-4 defensive alignment. Neither Reese, Coughlin nor Canty see that as an issue in adapting to the Giants' four-man front.

"Chris can play both tackle and end," said Coughlin. "He has been a 3-4 end, but he is a big, strong guy who can play inside on first and second downs and then move outside to end."

Said Canty, "I would love to do that (play inside and outside). I don't think it's going to be a big deal. I did some gap scheme things in Dallas. I am excited for the opportunity to do whatever they want me to do."