The New York Giants were slightly reactionary today when they signed much maligned Pittsburgh Steelers back up safety, Ryan Mundy to replace free agent Kenny Phillips who signed with the Philadelphia Eagles.
Mundy, a reserve safety did see some starting action when Pro Bowler Troy Palomalu and Ryan Clark were hurt; however the 6th round draft pick will not be missed in Pittsburgh. While the free agent safety does come cheap, one can assume he could never compete on the level as Kenny Phillips who was a former first round draft pick in 2007.
The loss of Kenny Phillips comes with mixed emotions because the player was a very good player; however the expectations for the 1st round draft pick were very high. Touted a thunderous hitter and ball hawk from Miami University, New York Giants fans were never electrified with a Troy Polomula or Ed Reed type of play.
Phillips missed a significant amount of time since being drafted and was never the same player after micro fracture surgery. In 2012, upon Phillips return from another injury, Perry Fewell, the Giants Defensive Coordinator had to create a new 3 safety look to get both Phillips and his replacement, Stevie Brown on the field at the same time.
No. 27 , Stevie Brown played so well that the writing was on the wall for Phillips tenure with the team come 2013. With his contract being up, the lack of true impact and the money Phillips camp was looking for…No. 21 became expendable. There is no doubt that he was a vital part of the 2011/2012 Super Bowl run.
Phillips will immediately start for the Eagles. His one year deal hints that after a good year in 2013, he will be looking for along term deal after he has proven he can still play at a high level.
Craig J. Santucci | Senior Editor Giants Rush
