Former New York Jets defensive lineman Kenrick Ellis signed with the New York Giants on Wednesday.
According to NFL.com, Ellis signed a one-year contract with the Giants that’s worth $1.65 million. There is $500,000 in guaranteed money. Ellis should help improve the Giants defense which isn’t very good. The Giants defense ranked 30th in the NFL last year. They allowed an average of 135.1 yards rushing last year while the Jets allowed an average of 93.1 yards, which was fifth best in the NFL.
''I am a run stopper and I like doing it,'' Ellis said. That is the strength of my game. I look forward to helping the Giants get back to their glory. I'm a journeyman. I come in and do my job. You don't get much recognition for it, but you get the job done and it helps out the team. I'll take on the double-teams and take on the work no one else wants to do. It's just who I am. I take pride in what I do, which is being a big man in the middle, and try to make sure no one runs the ball.''
Ellis was a third-round draft pick in 2011. He played for the Jets for his first four seasons. Last year he had nine tackles and one sack in 14 games, according to the Associated Press. Ellis has 66 career tackles, one sack, and a forced fumble in his career.
The Giants have Johnathan Hankins and Cullen Jenkins returning as their starting tacklers, along with Markus Kuhn and Jay Bromely. Mike Patterson is a free agent.