The state of New York has a rich sports history that includes a plethora of championships, great moments and unforgettable parades down the Canyon of Heroes.
Several of those moments have been created via imports — free agents who signed with teams and went on to etch their names in the history books.
Recently, The Athletic took a look at some of those free agent signings and decided to make a list of the “20 best free agent signings in New York Sports history.”
The New York Giants, unsurprisingly, had their fair share of representation.
First up? Perhaps one of the most underrated Giants in history — quarterback Kerry Collins.
19. Kerry Collins (1999)
The Giants were drifting aimlessly at quarterback in the post-Phil Simms years until general manager Ernie Accorsi took a chance on Collins in 1999. The fifth pick in the 1995 draft by the Panthers, Collins saw his career derailed by alcoholism. But he made the most of his second chance after signing a four-year, $16 million contract with the Giants. A revitalized Collins led the Giants to the 2000 Super Bowl, where they lost to the Ravens, and a playoff appearance in 2002. That helped get the franchise back on track before Collins was replaced when Eli Manning was acquired in a 2004 draft-day trade.
Many forget that Collins steadied a very rocky ship in East Rutherford. He put an end to the revolving door at the quarterback position and very nearly won a title as he revitalized his own career. And while he never earned a Super Bowl ring, he did help create a foundation which later led to success for Eli Manning.
Next up? The one, the only… Antrel Rolle.
18. Antrel Rolle (2010)
The Giants defense had a void from the 2007 Super Bowl team after Michael Strahan and Antonio Pierce retired. Rolle took charge as a leader after signing a five-year, $37 million contract in 2010. He started every game during his five seasons with the Giants, earning two Pro Bowl selections and helping the team win Super Bowl XLVI.
More than just a talent on the field, Rolle was an unquestioned leader in the locker room. His influence could not be overstated and to this day he still commands respect in team facilities.
The next Giant to make the list had one of the most memorable entrances and exits in team history. What was was great, but what could have been… That still torments Giants fans.
15. Plaxico Burress (2005)
The Giants’ trophy case likely wouldn’t be as full if not for the signing of Burress. The Giants signed Burress to a six-year, $25 million contract in 2005 to give young quarterback Eli Manning a No. 1 receiver. Burress delivered with 209 catches, 3,227 yards and 29 touchdowns in his first three seasons in New York, culminating with a victory in Super Bowl XLII. Burress was instrumental in that Super Bowl run, recording 11 catches for 151 yards in an upset of the Packers in the NFC Championship Game and then making the game-winning touchdown grab in the Super Bowl. Burress’ time with the Giants came to an abrupt end the following season when he accidentally shot himself in a New York City nightclub. Despite the ugly ending to his tenure, Burress provided exactly what the Giants needed on the field.
The connection between Burress and Manning was unstoppable. They were as deadly a duo as there was in the NFL and they were just getting started when Burress had his infamous accident.
Finally, we come to one of the greatest undrafted rookie free agent signings ever. Another key component to a Super Bowl run and a career that left many wondering, “what if…”
11. Victor Cruz (2010)
The Giants signed Cruz as an undrafted free agent out of UMass in 2010. He turned heads with a spectacular three-touchdown performance in the preseason, but a hamstring injury limited him to three games as a rookie. Cruz proved he wasn’t a flash in the pan the next season, exploding for 82 catches, 1,536 yards and nine touchdowns. His 99-yard touchdown catch against the Jets in Week 16 was a turning point in the season, and he capped the fairytale year with 10 catches for 142 yards in the NFC Championship Game and a touchdown in the Giants’ Super Bowl XLVI win. Cruz’s patented salsa touchdown dance skyrocketed him to stardom. He had 168 catches for 2,628 yards and 19 touchdowns in his first two full seasons while playing on his ridiculously cheap rookie contract. Injuries cut Cruz’s career short, but his meteoric rise is a shining moment in franchise history.
Cruz was electric until he wasn’t. Injuries ended his career far too soon — arguably even before he reached his prime. There’s no telling how high he and the Giants could have soared had he stayed healthy, but that’s simply not how the cookie crumbled for Cruz of Big Blue.
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