Giants Exercise 5th-Year Option On Cornerback Amukamara

NEW YORK (CBSNewYork) -- The Giants revamped their secondary earlier this offseason through free agency, but will remain in the corner of one of their own as well.

Big Blue picked up the fifth-year option on defensive back Prince Amukamara on Thursday, meaning he is now officially under contract for the 2014 and '15 seasons, general manager Jerry Reese announced.

"We think he's a good player, so we exercised the option," Reese said during a conference call.

The option year is believed to be worth $7 million, but is not guaranteed, the Daily News reported.

"It shows that the team wants you," Amukamara had said a week ago. "And who wouldn't want to feel wanted?"

The 19th overall selection in the 2011 draft out of Nebraska, Amukamara has been a reliable-but-not-spectacular player for the Giants over the last three seasons, recording three interceptions and 152 total tackles. Though the Giants started horribly last season before finishing 7-9, Amukamara finished with 14 passes defensed for a defense that got better as the season progressed.

Still, Reese knew he had work to do in the secondary to take some of the heat off of Amukamara and safety Antrel Rolle, so he went out and signed Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie, who it is assumed will start opposite Amukamara. Reese also inked slot corner Walter Thurmond, who helped the Seattle Seahawks to a Super Bowl championship last season, and re-signed corner Trumaine McBride.

Reese also gave Rolle needed help, grabbing free agent Quintin Demps and re-signing Stevie Brown.

Safety Will Hill's tenure with the Giants is up in the air because he's facing a suspension of at least six games due to a reported failed drug test.

"We'll respect the appeals process" and make a decision on his future with the Giants later, Reese said.

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