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Report: Giants Re-Sign RB Darkwa, Add FB/TE Ellison

NEW YORK (CBSNewYork) -- The Giants now have two running backs and a big fullback they can count on in 2017.

According to Newsday, tailback Orleans Darkwa has opted to return to Big Blue on a one-year contract, even though he was not given a restricted free agent tender offer. It was believed that he would test free agency, but the sides got together on a new deal on Thursday, just hours before the signing period was to begin. Financial terms of the contract were not immediately known.

Darkwa, who will rejoin Paul Perkins in the backfield, had just 75 carries for 287 yards, with four touchdowns, over the previous two seasons.

It appears that Perkins will be the featured back, with Darkwa as the backup. However, the Giants could still try to acquire a bigger-named veteran. Last week reports circulated saying they were not interested in pursuing Adrian Peterson, one of the biggest prizes in this year's free agent class.

MORE: NFL Free Agency 2017: Top Running Backs

The Giants struck again just as the signing period started, reportedly inking fullback/tight end Rhett Ellison to a four-year, $18 million contract, with $8 million guaranteed.

Standing an imposing 6-foot-5 and weighing 250 pounds, Ellison, a fourth-round pick out of USC in 2012, had spent his previous five NFL seasons with the Minnesota Vikings. He has 51 catches for 515 yards and three touchdowns in 73 career games.

Big Blue made a splash on Wednesday when it signed former Jets receiver Brandon Marshall to a two-year, $12 million contract. Marshall, who is entering his 12th NFL season and is 59 catches shy of 1,000 for his career, made the rounds on WFAN shortly after putting pen to paper, speaking to Mike Francesa on Wednesday afternoon and Boomer & Carton on Thursday morning.

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