Giants sign OL John Jerry from Miami Dolphins
Miami Dolphins guard John Jerry is seen during a time out on the field during the second half of an NFL football game against the Jets, Sunday, Sept. 23, 2012 in Miami. Credit: AP / Rhona Wise
The old saying about offensive linemen is that if you don't notice them, then they're doing their job. The newest Giant spent some time in the spotlight this offseason, and it was not to accept a citizenship award.
John Jerry, a guard who signed with the Giants on Friday, was featured prominently in the Wells Report which detailed the harassments that took place in the Miami Dolphins' locker room. While the report focused mostly on Jonathan Martin and Richie Incognito, Jerry was pointed out to have started the name-calling directed at Martin in 2012 and to have repeatedly made sexual comments about Martin's mother and sister, among other details.
"We did our homework on John, like we do with every player we sign," Giants general manager Jerry Reese said in a statement. "We were satisfied with the answers we got about John as a player and person."
As for his football, Jerry is a 6-5, 335-pounder who has played mostly guard but has a few starts at tackle. The 27-year-old is projected to be a swingman for the Giants, a possible backup in case Chris Snee can't make it through the season or the Giants need a tackle with Will Beatty coming off surgery. Most likely, that is how the Giants envisioned using Kevin Boothe had he re-signed with the team. Instead, Boothe signed a two-year deal with the Raiders.
Jerry is the third offensive lineman the Giants have added in the week and a half of free agency. They also signed guard Geoff Schwartz and center J.D. Walton.
