Somebody get Giants General Manager Jerry Reese a cup of coffee this morning — because that man is a closer.
Not only did he land cornerback Janoris Jenkins for his own team, but he talked defensive end visitor Charles Johnson into returning to the Panthers.
Johnson visited the Giants and the Buccaneers before taking a one-year, $3 million deal to return to Carolina, and said it was a conversation with Reese that convinced him.
Johnson told the Panthers’ official website that during his visit, he asked Reese if he’d leave for a job with another team for more money.
“He started as an intern and now he’s the G.M. for the Giants. He saw everything that happened – championships and all that. He said he wouldn’t trade that for the world,” Johnson said. “When he said that, I just thought to myself, ‘I’ve been here the longest. And all I’ve asked for is an opportunity. So how can I turn away from my team and the family that’s in Charlotte – how can I turn away?’
“That overweighed everything. I wanted to be happy, and I literally couldn’t imagine signing with them. This place raised me.”
Of course, Johnson can also take the long view here. He had already made more than $60 million over the previous five years in Carolina, so the fact he had exceeded the market rate then allows him to settle in comfortably now.
