thomas.jpg

Terrell Thomas is rehabbing from a third surgery to the ACL in his right knee, and may move to safety.

(Photo by Tim Farrell/The Star-Ledger)

An excited Terrell Thomas posted a photo on social media this afternoon: A self-portrait in his No. 24 Giants helmet.

Yes, the former second-round pick will be back with the Giants in 2013, after missing the past two seasons due to surgeries on the anterior cruciate ligament in his right knee.

Thomas and the Giants worked out a new, one-year contract, according to a person with knowledge of the agreement. That person requested anonymity because the team has not announced the terms of the deal.

“It’s been a long two years,” Thomas said through the team. “It’s definitely been a test of my will. But it’s made me a stronger person.”

Thomas had signed a four-year deal with a maximum value of $28 million before hitting free agency last spring -- expecting to be a starting cornerback in 2012 -- but the Giants protected themselves against injury. That contract included a $6 million option bonus due this spring that the Giants were not expected to pay after Thomas re-injured his ACL in training camp last summer, requiring another surgery in September.

Thomas is rehabbing in Pensacola, Fla., and wrote on his website last week that he was able to jog outside the pool for the first time. He has had three surgeries on his right ACL -- the first was during his college career at USC -- and general manager Jerry Reese said on WFAN last month that Thomas may have to move from cornerback to safety.

“At this point, I don’t care if they move me to kicker,” Thomas, 28, said. “I just want to play football.”

He added that Reese and the Giants coaches told him they envision him returning as a cornerback, but if he can’t do so, they could use him in a nickel safety role.

Terms of the new deal were not immediately available. Thomas’ cap number was originally $3 million for 2013, but should be lower now.

Thomas’ comeback is a challenging and rare one. The only known precedent in the NFL is Panthers linebacker Thomas Davis, who played 15 games last season after three ACL tears in the same knee in a span of three years.

Thomas said he is “blessed and happy” for another opportunity to play football, particularly with the team that drafted him. His knee feels “great,” and he said he has not had swelling in the past month-and-a-half, the doctors even able to increase his workload.

“I imagine I will be a little hesitant at first,” Thomas said of returning to the field. “But that’s what practice is for. Hopefully, they’ll give me enough opportunities to get out there and practice and get my knee in shape to feel confidence and trust in it.”