EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J. (March 8, 2005) -- Former Atlanta Falcons placekicker Jay Feely became the third free agent to join the New York Giants this offseason, signing a two-year contract.
"What we were really interested in was having a solid young kicker who we felt could solve the problems of kickoff and field goal accuracy and grow," coach Tom Coughlin said. "The better part of his career, I think, is going to start right now. We'd studied the young man, and we feel there are things we can do to help him in his game."
Feely hit 18 of 23 field goal attempts last season with the Falcons, the longest from 47 yards. He was perfect on 40 extra points.
Feely, 29, will be the Giants' third placekicker in as many seasons. He will replace 37-year-old Steve Christie. Matt Bryant was the kicker in 2003.
In four seasons with the Falcons, Feely scored 436 points, the third-highest total in franchise history. He made 98 of 127 field goal attempts and 142 of 144 extra points.
He also has 44 touchbacks on 317 career kickoffs, including 13 last season. Christie had two touchbacks last season, and the Giants have had only eight in the last four seasons.
The Giants signed former Washington middle linebacker Antonio Pierce and former Jets offensive tackle Kareem McKenzie last week. They expect receiver Plaxico Burress to visit on March 9.
The Pittsburgh Steelers free agent was expected to visit March 7 but didn't show because of illness.
New York is close to completing a one-year contract for veteran Jim Miller to back up Eli Manning at quarterback. Running back Mike Cloud is also expected to sign a two-year deal to stay with the team.
