Steve

Weatherford

A huge upgrade on Matt Dodge, Weatherford is scheduled for a $2.5 million salary on the punter tag. The 29-year-old averaged 45.7 yards per punt last season with a 39.2 net. Weatherford did not have a punt blocked, or returned for a TD.

The deal will reportedly include around $4 million “up front.” The 29-year-old Weatherford averaged a career best 45.7 yards per punt (with a 39.2 net punting average) last season, and most importantly, he did not kick to DeSean Jackson.

Weatherford had a solid season after being signed away from the Jets in July, posting a career-best net punting average of 45.7. He also shined in the Super Bowl, pinning the Patriots inside their own 10-yard line three times. He could be in line for a multi-year deal.

This story just keeps getting more bizarre. In an hour-long “press conference” outside the Super Bowl XLVII media center, Ross also mentioned Brett Favre, Ray Lewis, Terrell Owens, recent BCS national championship teams at Auburn and Alabama, baseball players Johnny Damon and Carlos Pena and golfer Vijay Singh as clients. Weatherford angrily denied ever knowing or meeting Ross, adding he has contacted an attorney to rebut the “slanderous” accusations.

This is assuredly a cost-saving move by the G-Men, who will save $2.2 million against the cap. Weatherford had two years left on a five-year, $12.75 million deal. Weatherford was near the bottom of the league with his 38.6 net average last season. The Giants don’t have another punter on the roster.

Ryan Quigley was added to the injury report with a shin issue on Saturday, but he is also dead last in the league in net punting. The injury may be a convenient excuse to see what the veteran Weatherford can do.

He was on the roster four days. Ryan Quigley (shin) is back healthy.

Jones was on the active roster for most of 2006, but ultimately lost his roster spot to Lance Moore. Steve Weatherford beat out Hanson to start.

Trapasso’s stint as the Jets’ starter lasted one day. Weatherford just barely lost out to Adam Podlesh in Jaguars camp and could offer a sizable upgrade.

They were apparently bothered by Weatherford’s poor outing against the Panthers, where he averaged 35.4 yards (30.2 net) on five punts. The Saints will sign a replacement this week before heading to London.