2012 NFL Free Agents: New York Giants Re-Sign Chase Blackburn

Chase Blackburn does not have to wait quite as long as he did in 2011 to become a New York Giant. Reportedly, he has agreed to a one-year deal with the defending Super Bowl champions.

Blackburn was signed midway through last season by the Giants, and he become an instant contributor during their run to a second Super Bowl in five seasons.

The middle linebacker started four games during the regular season, tallying 26 tackles. In the postseason, he matched that mark while also making a pivotal interception in Super Bowl XLII that helped lift the Giants to triumph.

Blackburn is not a top-notch NFL linebacker by any means, but he has always been a vocal leader and special teams standout for Big Blue.

He became one of the feel-good stories of the Giants’ Super Bowl run in 2011, going from substitute math teacher to Super Bowl hero in a matter of months.

With the acquisition of linebacker Keith Rivers by the Giants, it is unlikely that Blackburn will see time as the starting middle linebacker once again. However, the Big Blue leader should see valuable playing time as a reserve and on special teams.

Depleted by injuries in 2011, the Giants add credible depth to the linebacking corps with the knowledgeable Blackburn, who showed that he is capable of being a serviceable stud when his number is called.