Giants interested in Warner as a bridge to Manning era

EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J. -- The New York Giants are thinking about signing quarterback Kurt Warner if the two-time NFL MVP is released by the St. Louis Rams in a salary-cap move.

"We've been talking," Mark Bartelstein, Warner's agent, said in a telephone interview Thursday.

Giants spokesman Pat Hanlon had no comment.

Bartelstein has spoken with six or seven teams about signing Warner since the Rams gave him permission to shop for a deal for the quarterback who led St. Louis to a Super Bowl championship in the 1999 season.

Warner's future in St. Louis became very uncertain this week when the Rams signed Marc Bulger to a four-year contract.

It's unlikely Warner will take a pay cut to stay with the Rams, and it's even more unlikely he will enjoy being Bulger's backup again.

Coming to the Giants, however, also would pose questions.

New York seemingly wants to start Eli Manning, the top pick last month in the NFL draft. The Giants cut Kerry Collins last week, taking $8.95 million off the team's salary cap this season.

"We haven't said we're going to New York," Bartelstein said. "I don't think they have decided on what is the best way to develop Manning."

Bartelstein said Warner would be willing to sign a one-year contract, acknowledging this is not an easy time for veterans to get multiyear deals.

"Kurt wants to start and play and have a great season," said Bartelstein, who would not identify the other teams interested in Warner.

Warner lost his starting job to Bulger after fumbling six times in a season-opening loss to the Giants. He had three touchdown passes and 11 interceptions in an injury-plagued 2002.

The Giants recently courted veteran quarterback Neil O'Donnell as a possible backup and mentor to Manning, whom they acquired in trade with San Diego. But the 14-year veteran said he planned to retire.