On Monday (March 19), defensive lineman Josh Mauro signed with the New York Giants, the team announced yesterday. The terms of the contract have not yet been announced.

The four-year veteran has spent most of his career with the arizona cardinals, according to pro-football-reference.com.

Mauro graduated from Stanford University and declared for the 2014 NFL Draft. He was not drafted but was picked up by the Pittsburgh Steelers.

Mauro was released by the Steelers during the final roster cuts and then was picked up by the Cardinals where he spent the next four years. The Cardinals released Mauro and saved $2.8 million against the salary cap, according to USA Today.

About his time with the Arizona Cardinals

Mauro was not a consistent starter for the Cardinals, starting only 27 of his 46 career games in his four years with Arizona. In 2017, Mauro started seven games and played in 13. He recorded 15 tackles and one sack. His career high in tackles is 24. He reached that mark in 2016 where he played in 15 games, starting 13 of them. He also played in three postseason games, starting in two, where he recorded two tackles, one of which was a solo tackle.

Connections to defensive coordinator James Bettcher

James Bettcher will be on the sideline as the New York Giants' new defensive coordinator beginning next season. He was hired by the Giants at the end of January. Before his hiring in New York, Bettcher was the defensive coordinator for the Arizona Cardinals where he coached Mauro for three of his four years on the team.

This connection could be a reason why Mauro signed with the Giants and is a good sign for Giants fans everywhere. Player-coach connections are always a reason for fans to get excited. Mauro will come to the team with previous knowledge of what is expected of him from the coaching staff.

Another player on the Giants who has a connection with Bettcher is linebacker Kareem Martin.

According to giants.com, Martin also played for Bettcher in Arizona.

About Mauro's time at Stanford University

According to giants.com, Mauro played in 48 games during his time at Stanford. He started 11 games in his senior year. He recorded 81 tackles, 11 sacks, and one interception at Stanford.

Other Giants free agents

It has been a busy free agency season for the New York Giants as they try to shake up their roster following a disappointing 3-13 season that left them in last place in the NFC East. Mauro is already the fourth player signed by the Giants in free agency. The others are defensive end Kerry Wynn, wide receiver Cody Latimer, and cornerback B.W. Webb.
© ALL RIGHTS RESERVED