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Giants Sign CB William Gay

The New York Giants have signed former Pittsburgh Steelers cornerback William Gay to a contract, according to his agent Jerrold Colton.

Gay was brought in for a visit on Thursday, with a contract agreed upon, all depending on a passed physical. Now, the deal has been made official.

Time With Steelers and Cardinals

Gay, 33, has spent the majority of his career in Pittsburgh, originally serving as the team’s main slot corner. Not only that, but he played one season with the Arizona Cardinals. During his 11 year career, Gay recorded 467 total tackles, 87 passes defended, 13 interceptions, ten forced fumbles, and seven sacks.

The 12-year corner proved to be one of the league’s iron men, where he played in 176 consecutive games. He has not missed a single game in his career.

This past season, Gay recorded 19 total tackles, three passes defended, and two forced fumbles, as his role in Pittsburgh decreased.

Gay was released from his contract on March 14 in order for the team to free up cap space for running back Le’Veon Bell’s franchise tag.

How He Fits in New York

The Giants have a significant void at the cornerback position, as the team released Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie this offseason. Janoris Jenkins and Eli Apple are penciled in as the teams starters, prior to the signing of Gay. By bringing in Gay, the Giants have some much needed depth in the defensive backfield.

Not to mention that his former assistant defensive backs coach, Deshea Townsend, is serving the same role in New York.

New York’s defensive backfield is in need of help based on last season. New York’s pass defense ranked 31st in the league (252.4 yards/game). Gay joins Teddy Williams and Curtis Riley as the team’s new cornerbacks.

The hope in New York is that Gay will help revitalize the defense under new coordinator James Bettcher.

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General Editor and New York Giants Lead Writer.
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