Late intrigue keeps O'Hara with Giants
New York Giants03/02/2007 8:16 AM The Star-Ledger reports OL Shaun O'Hara is staying home. The Hillsborough native and the Giants reached an agreement on a new contract last night about two hours before the start of free agency, according to one of his agents, Tony Agnone. The former Rutgers lineman will remain in East Rutherford to be the team's starting center after agreeing to a five-year contract worth up to $19 million. The deal includes a $7.5 million signing bonus and will pay O'Hara $12 million over the first three years. "I didn't hurt my team by commanding huge, over-the-top numbers," O'Hara said. "I feel like we've both kind of won. I'm really glad to have the deal done so I can focus on football and not the business side of things." "I would say right now he's about as fired up as possible," Agnone said last night. The news came minutes before the Giants began talking to other free agents, including Colts RB Dominic Rhodes. According to someone who has spoken to Rhodes, the six-year veteran will visit the Giants today. The person requested anonymity because of the private nature of free-agent negotiations. The Giants are also expected to pursue two Eagles defensive backs: CB Rod Hood and S Michael Lewis. Giants defensive coordinator Steve Spagnuolo worked with both players while serving as Philly's secondary coach. Read more