As the Giants search for an answer at tight end, a possible solution could have been on injured reserve all last season.
The Giants will give Matt LaCosse the opportunity to compete for the starting tight end job after re-signing the exclusive rights free agent (ERFA) on Monday, according to a person with knowledge of the situation. It was a no-brainer to bring LaCosse back on a one-year contract for the minimum salary of $465,000. The re-signing was first reported by ESPN.
Giants TE overview
LaCosse was in the mix at tight end last offseason, but he suffered a knee injury in the preseason that sidelined him for the entire season. LaCosse remained at the Giants’ facility all season to rehabilitate his knee and attend meetings. He will be fully healthy to compete for a wide-open tight end spot this offseason.
There was little chance of LaCosse, 24, leaving the Giants due to his ERFA designation. ERFA’s are players with two or less seasons in the league. Once an ERFA player is tendered, he can only negotiate with his former team. The tender is a one-year minimum salary contract.
ERFA’s are typically undrafted free agents. LaCosse signed with the Giants as an undrafted free agent in 2015 out of Illinois.
Tight en overview
LaCosse was waived by the Giants after injuring his hamstring in the first practice of training camp in 2015. The 6-foot-6, 261-pounder signed with the Giants’ practice squad in November of 2015 and caught three passes for 22 yards in the final two games of the season.
LaCosse earned first-team reps at the start of training camp last season, but he suffered a knee injury that required surgery in August.
The Giants got little production from their tight ends last season. Larry Donnell was benched midway through the season and reportedly will not be re-signed. LaCosse will join Jerell Adams, a sixth-round pick in 2016, and Will Tye, who should also return as ERFA. The Giants are expected to seek an upgrade at tight end in free agency or the draft.
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Dan Duggan may be reached at dduggan@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter @DDuggan21. Find our Giants coverage on Facebook.
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