INDIANAPOLIS -- Jasper Brinkley is expected to hit free agency next month, but the Giants have expressed interest in re-signing the linebacker after a strong 2015 season, a person with knowledge of the situation told NJ Advance Media.

The Giants and Brinkley's representatives have had discussions, but no deal is anticipated by the start of the new league year on March 9. Brinkley, 30, will then become an unrestricted free agent, but a return to the Giants is a possibility.

Re-signing Brinkley would give the Giants a steady, proven veteran presence at middle linebacker, which is one of several positions the Giants need to address this offseason as they seek to retool a defense that was ranked 32nd in the league in 2015. With Jon Beason's retirement, the only middle linebacker currently under contract is Uani 'Unga, who missed several games to injury last year as a rookie and struggled at times.

Brinkley was one of the Giants' best defensive players in the second half of the season, bringing stability to his position after Beason went on season-ending injured reserve after an injury-plagued first half. The Giants picked up Brinkley right before the start of the regular season after he was a surprise cut by the Dallas Cowboys at the end of the preseason.

Brinkley only played special teams for the first two months of the season, and was inactive for a game. But he was inserted into the starting lineup at middle linebacker in Week 8 against the New Orleans Saints, and started the final nine games of the season, registering 66 tackles, four forced fumbles and a sack. He also took on a leadership role - defensive coordinator Steve Spagnuolo had him address the defense prior to the Giants' late season home game against the Jets.

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