Dave Tollefson Signs 2-Year Deal with Oakland Raiders

Published: 7^th Apr 12 12:34 pm

by Jeff Shull
New York Giants, Houston Texans, Texas A&M Football Featured Columnist

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Matthew Emmons-US PRESSWIRE

Dave Tollefson, New York Giants back up defensive end and special teams player, has signed a two year, $2.5 million deal with the Oakland Raiders, with an estimated $500,000 in incentives.

It was pretty clear Tollefson would be out the door during this free agency period; he has spent five years with the Giants, but never cracked the starting lineup. With him moving on he gives himself a chance to make an impact on another roster, while also not settling for the league minimum with the Giants.

Tollefson enjoyed the best season of his career in 2011, collecting five of his 10 career sacks and allowing the Giants to use a rotation filled with talented pass rushers to keep them fresh. That freshness turned out to be key in their improbable Super Bowl run.

His round house kick celebration was very unique; Tollefson was always a fan favorite and it is said to see him go.

In fact, that he was with the Giants at all this season was surprising. He had the reputation of being a solid backup, yet signed a one-year deal with the Giants last off season as an unrestricted free agent.

Along with the Raiders, Tollefson visited the Seattle Seahawks, Green Bay Packers, and Tennessee Titans over the past several weeks when making his decision.

Honestly I was surprised to see the Raiders were successful over the Packers, but Tollefson is from the Bay area and the Raiders likely offered him a better deal.

Tollefson was a great locker room guy, and his teammates will miss his presence. Defensive captain Justin Tuck tweeted about the loss.

This is the bad part of the business. Dave will be missed

April 6, 2012 9:41 pm via Twitter for iPhoneReplyRetweetFavorite

@JustinTuckNYG91

Justin Tuck

With the loss of Tollefson and Osi Umenyiora’s contract set to end after this season, I wouldn’t be surprised to see the Giants take a pass rusher in the first round.

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