NYDN:Plaxico skips out on Giants

[denverdan]

http://www.nydailynews.com/sports/football/story/287780p-246378c.html

Plaxico skips out on Giants

Stays at home with flu

BY RALPH VACCHIANO

DAILY NEWS SPORTS WRITER

Giants' courtship of receiver Plaxico Burress is put off at least another day.

The Giants have moved quickly in the first week of the free-agent market. But their pursuit of a big-play receiver has been delayed for at least one more day.

Plaxico Burress, the top receiver remaining on the free-agent market, did not make his scheduled visit to the Giants yesterday. Instead, according to a source, he remained home in Miami nursing a case of the flu.

It was not immediately clear when - or if - the visit would be rescheduled, though one source said Burress hoped to fly to New York sometime this afternoon. Another source said the visit might not take place until tomorrow, if at all. Burress' agent, Michael Harrison, did not return several calls.

When and if Burress arrives, the Giants may have to act quickly if they want to sign him because the delay may have opened the door for other teams to get involved. The market had appeared to dry up for the 27-year-old receiver. But late last night there were indications the Minnesota Vikings had reconsidered and now were interested. And there was a report that the Philadelphia Eagles suddenly were interested.

As for the Giants, their interest in the 6-5, 226-pound receiver didn't appear to change because of his surprise no-show. They want Burress if the price is right. According to a source, that price is around the six-year, $20 million figure they floated in conversations with Harrison last week.

Meanwhile, the Giants continued with their non-Burress business yesterday. They agreed to terms with kicker Jay Feely (Falcons) and backup quarterback Jim Miller (Patriots). They also agreed on a new two-year contract with backup running back Mike Cloud.

The most important signing might have been Miller, who will become the veteran mentor to quarterback Eli Manning. The 34-year-old Miller worked out at Giants Stadium yesterday, then agreed to sign a one-year deal for the veteran minimum of $765,000 and a $25,000 signing bonus. Because of the "veteran discount," he'll only cost the Giants $475,000 against the salary cap.

Miller was the third-string quarterback in New England last year and hasn't taken a snap since he was in Chicago in 2002. According to his agent, Joe Linta, he has no problem accepting his role.

"He's going to be like a big brother to Eli," Linta said. "His goal is to make Manning as good as he can be, and if he has to go in and play they're going to win some games."

Feely replaces veteran Steve Christie and is the Giants' third kicker in the last three seasons.

The 28-year-old Feely made 78.5% of his field goals last season (22 for 28) and 77% during his four seasons in Atlanta (98 for 127). Cloud, the first of the Giants' unrestricted free agents to re-sign, is expected to be the primary backup to Tiki Barber.

Originally published on March 8, 2005

[SkinsNut73]

When and if Burress arrives, the Giants may have to act quickly if they want to sign him because the delay may have opened the door for other teams to get involved. The market had appeared to dry up for the 27-year-old receiver. But late last night there were indications the Minnesota Vikings had reconsidered and now were interested. And there was a report that the Philadelphia Eagles suddenly were interested.

Hmmmm...Burress and Terrell Owens:(

[Griff]

John Clayton also said this morning that Burress has been working out with Culpepper the past few days and in all likelihood he will end up with the Vikings.

[Fatty P For The Pulitzer]

Originally posted by denverdan

The market had appeared to dry up for the 27-year-old receiver. But late last night there were indications the Minnesota Vikings had reconsidered and now were interested.

Hmm, I wonder if this has anything to do with the rumored talks about trading for Gardner? Maybe they pulled out or we eliminated them, so they're going back to Plax.