Chris Snee, in Final Year of Five-Year Contract with Giants, Awaits Reward

Chris Snee answered a question with one of his own.

"I'm an under-contract player...why shouldn't I be here?" he asked, smiling as he spoke.

Players frustrated with their financial situation often make themselves scarce during the voluntary offseason workout program. Snee, however, attended a workout yesterday at Giants Stadium, completing a weight-lifting session along with other offensive linemen.

"Right now my focus is on getting my body ready for the season," he said.

Will it be his final season with the Giants?

Snee has started at right guard since he was drafted in 2004 and has developed into a sturdy player. The Giants even believe he warrants Pro Bowl inclusion.

He is now in the last year of his original five-year contract.

Snee is not just any member of the Giants. He's the only one who married Tom Coughlin's daughter Katie and gave him two grandsons. Snee has grown more at ease talking about what for him was once an uncomfortable subject, mainly because he's developed into a top-flight player. He's also a subtle team leader.

That relationship, though, sure makes this an interesting scenario. Can GM Jerry Reese play hardball with Coughlin's son-in-law?

"I don't see why that would factor into it," Snee said. "It's not like they're doing me a favor. Whatever I get I've earned; it's got nothing to do with the situation I'm in."

"It's not like I'm making pennies. I'm very happy where I am. I'm not disgruntled or unhappy with my current deal."

Snee was scheduled to make $640,000 this season but will get a substantial bump-up in salary to $2.7 million because of escalators in his original deal triggered by playing time.

The Giants made Snee's agent, Tony Agnone, an offer last season during the bye week, but Agnone turned it down. Given the salary explosion for quality guards, there is no doubt Agnone is seeking top money for his client.