The Giants will re-sign defensive tackle Robert Thomas, an exclusive rights free agent, a person with knowledge of the decision told NJ Advance Media.
What do Giants cuts mean for JPP?
Thomas is the second known ERFA the Giants will be bringing back, joining tight end Matt LaCosse. The team will not be re-signing wide receiver Ben Edwards, according to SNY. Tight end Will Tye and fullback Nikita Whitlock are the other pending ERFAs.
Thomas, who will turn 26 this month, gives the Giants three interior defensive linemen under contract in 2017, joining Damon Harrison and Jay Bromley. Defensive tackle Johnathan Hankins is scheduled to be an unrestricted free agent when the new league year begins in March. If the Giants do not bring Hankins back, Thomas could be among the possible options to replace him.
Thomas appeared in eight games for the Giants last season, registering five tackles and a sack. He was also active for the Giants’ playoff loss to the Packers. Thomas only played 68 regular season snaps, but flashed some pass rush ability in that limited work.
The Giants claimed Thomas off waivers from the Panthers prior to the start of the regular season. Thomas was afflicted with an undisclosed medical issue almost immediately after joining the Giants, but the Giants kept him on the 53-man roster for the entire season, even though he was not able to play until Week 6.
The Giants are Thomas’ sixth organization in three seasons. The one-time undrafted free agent from Arkansas has played for the Redskins, Seahawks, Patriots, Dolphins and Panthers, mostly as a practice squad and preseason player. His time with the Giants last season was his most extensive on an NFL active roster.
James Kratch may be reached at jkratch@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter @JamesKratch. Find our Giants coverage on Facebook.
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