Giants agree with former Titans LB Bulluck

The Giants figured their best option to replace Antonio Pierce at middle linebacker this season was Jonathan Goff, who became the starter late last season. But those plans may have changed Saturday when the team agreed to terms with former Titans star linebacker Keith Bulluck, who could become the starter.

Bulluck, 33, would have been one of the top unrestricted free agents during the offseason, but he suffered a season-ending knee injury last Dec. 20. He now has a good chance of replacing Pierce, who retired earlier this month after suffering a neck problem early last season.

Pierce played in nine games last year before doctors told him his neck condition could lead to serious injury.

Bulluck's agent, Gary Wichard, confirmed Saturday that Bulluck agreed to a one-year, $2.5-million contract with the Giants.

Bulluck, a New York native, rehabbed his left ACL injury most of the offseason just a few miles from the Giants' training facility. The Syracuse grad worked out for the team last Monday and also worked out for the Cardinals before agreeing to terms with the Giants.

The Giants open training camp in Albany next Sunday.

Bulluck played his first 10 seasons with the Titans, joining the team as a first-round pick in 2000. He had 108 tackles last season.

Goff had been penciled in as the starter during the offseason, although he was expected to compete with rookie fourth-round pick Phillip Dillard. Gerris Wilkinson also was in the mix.

Goff took the majority of reps with the starting unit during offseason workouts.