With cornerback DeAngelo Hall desperate to get out of Atlanta, the New York Giants might be the team to make it happen.

According to the Newark Star-Ledger, the Giants are exploring the possibility of sending the 31st overall pick in the 2008 draft to Atlanta for Hall.

The willingness of the Falcons to trade Hall could be a sign that they’ll target Patriots cornerback Asante Samuel when free agency opens next week.  New Atlanta G.M. Tom Dimitroff was the director of college scouting in New England before taking a job with the Falcons.

From the Giants’ perspective, the interest in Hall smacks of hubris.  One of the problems with the team has been an overabundance of loudmouths in the locker room.  Many believe that the retirement of Tiki Barber and the disappearance of Jeremy Shockey following a broken leg were key components in getting the rest of the guys on the same page.

Here’s a thought — why don’t the Giants just pursue Asante Samuel?  Signing him won’t cost much more than it would to extend Hall, and the Giants would still have their first-round pick.

Besides, giving Samuel a big-money deal would be fitting, given that it was his dropped interception that opened the door for the Shawshank Reception.