Cordle skipped, then signed by Giants
Former Buckeye agrees to free agent deal with New York
BY JOE ARNOLD ? The Eagle-Gazette Staff ? April 25, 2010
LANCASTER --Jim Cordle was exactly where he didn't want to be Saturday -- in front of a television, watching the NFL Draft wind down.
By the time the last pick was made shortly after 5 p.m., part of Cordle was wishing he'd spent the afternoon in Columbus watching Ohio State's spring game instead of glued to the television.
"It was kind of a sad day really," he said. "I was sitting there watching, and there was no activity on the phone. I was getting nervous."
The nerves, however, didn't last long.
A phone call from the New York Giants ended Cordle's wait. The former Buckeye and Lancaster native agreed to a free agent deal with the Giants roughly 90 minutes after the conclusion of the draft.
"My agent was working with teams after the draft, and then (Giants offensive line) coach (Pat) Flaherty called," Cordle said. "He said 'We want you to be a New York Giant.' "
He reports to the team's mini-camp on Thursday.
Cordle and the Giants had been in discussions throughout the past week, he said. Cordle's thinking, however, New England might draft him late in the seventh round.
He worked out for the Patriots, and New England had four picks in the final round.
"At any rate, as we got through those rounds, I was thinking 'That's OK,'" Cordle said. "I had it in my head that I was going to be a free agent."
Cordle's agent, Joe Flanagan, was in negotiations with the Bears, Packers, Lions, Browns and Dolphins before Flaherty's phone call.
"I felt with the Giants, it was the best situation," Cordle said. "The Giants have always had one of the best offensive lines in the league. To go there and learn from those guys and to get some experience is going to be great."
