Giants hire Gettleman as general manager
EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J. » The New York Giants are turning their rebuilding process over to an old hand who believes in old-time football.
The Giants (2-13) hired former Carolina executive Dave Gettleman as their general manager on Thursday, bringing back a 66-year-old who spent 15 seasons with the franchise before going to the Panthers and helping them get to the Super Bowl in 2015.
Gettleman, who helped the Giants build strong offensive and defensive lines in his tenure, will be introduced at a news conference Friday.
“Given where we are as a team, we thought it was important to bring in someone with experience as a general manager and a proven track record,” coowners John Mara and Steve Tisch said in a statement. “Dave’s experience is unparalleled. He did an outstanding job as general manager in Carolina, and he was vital to our success during his tenure here. Dave is going to bring his own approach to our organization in how we draft and acquire players through free agency.”
Gettleman was Carolina’s general manager from 2013-2016. He was fired after the team missed the playoffs following their Super Bowl appearance. He upset some fans with his player moves, cutting receiver Steve Smith before the 2014 season and running back DeAngelo Williams in 2015, then allowing cornerback Josh Norman to become a free agent in 2016 after rescinding the franchise tag.
Gettleman originally joined the Giants in the spring of 1998 as then-pro personnel director Tim Rooney’s assistant.
Saints put Kikaha on IR
METAIRIE, LA. » New Orleans placed edge pass rusher Hau’oli Kikaha on injured reserve, ending his season. New Orleans filled his spot on the roster by bringing back Kasim Edebali, who spent the previous three seasons with the club.
Kikaha, who had missed practice this week with an injured ankle, sees his season end after making four sacks, four tackles for losses and had one pass defended.
Browns’ Thomas still undecided on playing future
BEREA, OHIO » Joe Thomas has a major decision to make this offseason.
Until then, he’s made up his about Cleveland’s coach.
His 11th NFL season — and an historic playing streak — ended by an injury in October, Thomas plans to wait until after the season before deciding to continue a Pro Bowl career that will one day take him to the Hall of Fame.
Thomas suffered a torn triceps on Oct. 22 against Tennessee and underwent season-ending surgery.
“I’m going to sit down with my family and kind of discuss where I am about continuing to play,” he said Thursday as the Browns (0-15) prepared for their season finale in Pittsburgh. mind