Feb. 28, 2009
Orlando, Fla. (www.UCFAthletics.com) - New York Giants tight end Darcy Johnson and defensive tackle Leger Douzable, both "exclusive rights free agents", have signed their tender offers for the 2009 season, according to the New York Daily News.
Johnson, who was signed by the Giants as an undrafted free agent in 2006, will be paid $460,000 next season. Douzable, who was signed to the practice squad in September and promoted to the 53-man roster on Dec. 2, will make $385,000.
The 26-year-old Johnson was the Giants third (and sometimes second) tight end last season. He had four catches for 46 yards and two touchdowns. He also had one 13-yard catch in the Giants' lone playoff game.
Douzable did not get into any games last season.
An "exclusive rights free agent" is for players with less than three "accrued seasons" whose contracts have expired. If those players are offered a one-year contract at the minimum salary by their old club, they either have to sign it or sit out the season. They can't shop for better offers around the league.
UCF's Conference USA slate will be released by the league office at a later date. The Knights will play host to Houston, Marshall, Memphis and Tulane at Bright House Networks Stadium while travelling to face East Carolina, Rice, Southern Miss and UAB.
UCF will be playing seven regularly scheduled home games at Bright House Networks Stadium for the first time in the facility's three-year existence. The Knights were fortunate to play seven home games in 2007 with the final contest being the Conference USA Championship Game.
For information on 2009 UCF football season tickets call the Athletics Ticket Office at (407) 823-1000. For the latest news on the Knights, log on to UCFAthletics.com - the official site for UCF varsity sports. The site, which also contains ticket and Golden Knights Club donor information, is also the home of UCF's new online apparel store. Also visit UCFPhotos.com, the exclusive fan source for UCF action sports pictures.