Giants sign Aussie rules player

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EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J. -- Seeking a possible replacement if they can't re-sign punter Jeff Feagles, the New York Giants have signed former Australian rules football player Jy Bond.

The deal was announced Thursday afternoon, though contract details were not disclosed.

The 30-year-old Bond signed with the Miami Dolphins last season but was released in June. He then trained with fellow Aussie punters Sav Rocca of the Philadelphia Eagles and former NFL player Darren Bennett.

Bond was raised in the suburbs of Melbourne, and both his father and grandfather played elite level Australian Rules Football. Bond played at the semiprofessional level and won several club and competition honors.

Feagles, who is a free agent, has been the Giants punter for seven seasons.

-- Associated Press

SMITH SIGNS ONE-YEAR TENDER WITH JETS
Hard-hitting safety Eric Smith has signed his one-year tender offer with the New York Jets.

The deal Thursday, worth $1.176 million, keeps Smith in the competition with the recently signed Brodney Pool and James Ihedigbo to replace Kerry Rhodes opposite Jim Leonhard in the Jets' secondary. Rhodes was traded to Arizona on March 6 for two draft picks.

Smith, 27, started last season when Rhodes was demoted by coach Rex Ryan for a few games. He finished with 48 tackles and an interception, and has four career picks.

Smith was a third-round draft pick out of Michigan State in 2006, and has been a key backup as well as one of the Jets' top special teamers.

-- Associated Press

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