Giants Forge Another Reunion, Bring Back Cofield

For the third time this year, the Giants have brought back a familiar face from years past. On Thursday, the team re-signed DT Barry Cofied for the remainder of the season.

The 31-year-old went unsigned after being released by the Redskins in February. The only known interest Cofield generated came last month when the Colts worked him out, but did not sign him.

With the Giants, Cofield reunites with Steve Spagnuolo, who was his defensive coordinator for two seasons.

Cofield was a five-year starter during his first stint with the Giants, including the team’s championship season of 2007. He missed just one game in his first five years with Big Blue.

The Northwestern product wasn’t the flashiest player on a Giants’ defensive line that also featured Michael Strahan, Justin Tuck and Osi Umenyiora, but he was a steady force on the interior throughout his Giants years.

Barry Cofield rushes the passer during his first stint with the team (Getty Images).

Cofield enjoyed his best season with New York in 2010, where he totaled career-highs in tackles (39), forced fumbles (two) and sacks (four).

Cofield capitalized on his strong season by signing a six-year deal worth $36 million with the Redskins the following offseason.

In four seasons with Washington, Cofield established himself as a top-tier run stuffer and pocket pusher, and didn’t miss a game until last season when he suffered a severe high ankle sprain that landed on him on short-term IR.

Cofield was set to count nearly $8 million against Washington’s cap this season, so the team cut him in February. Interest for Cofield became nearly non-existent after undergoing hip surgery to repair a torn labrum in March.

Cofield worked out for the Giants a couple weeks ago, and the Giants obviously liked what they saw enough to bring him back.

Cofield is the third familiar face from years past to rejoin the Giants this season. SS Craig Dahl, who played for the Giants from 2007-2008, returned to the team in September. 2009 first-round pick Hakeem Nicks came back to the Giants in November after spending one year with the Colts.

To make room for Cofield, the Giants released FS Brandon Meriweather.

Meriweather’s release comes as a bit of a surprise after starting all 11 games he has played in this season. Meriweather had accumulated 38 tackles, seven passes defended, two interceptions while grading out as the Giants’ top cover safety.

The Giants are left with just three safeties on the active roster: Landon Collins, Craig Dahl and Cooper Taylor.