Giants Tap Boley at Linebacker

The New York Giants have completed a deal with former Atlanta Falcons linebacker Michael Boley on a five year contract worth $25 million.

Boley, 26, will help the Giants in pass rush and pass coverage at weakside linebacker in the 4-3 system. Boley had a disappointing 2008 with only 73 tackles and one interception, but the year before, Boley had 110 tackles, two picks and three sacks.

If Boley can return to his 2007 form, it will make the Giants vaunted pass defense that much better. Expect Boley to have a big impact, with guys like Justin Tuck and Osi Umenyoria in front of him on the defensive line.

In 2008, the Giants used three different starters at weakside linebacker, with neither really staking a claim on the position. Boley will fill that need for Big Blue very nicely in 2009.