The defensive end on Sunday signed a six-year, $42 million contract with the Cowboys' NFC East rivals, the New York Giants.

Canty's departure sparks speculation Dallas could move Pro Bowl nose tackle Jay Ratliff to end, his original position. Another option would be to keep Ratliff in the middle and let Jason Hatcher and Stephen Bowen, a restricted free agent, compete at end.

The Cowboys could also add another defensive end via free agency or the draft.

While Dallas ponders ways to replace Canty in their 3-4 scheme, the Giants will teach him a new position. Shortly after signing Canty, the Giants announced he will play tackle in their 4-3 scheme.

"Chris can play both tackle and end," Giants coach Tom Coughlin told Giants.com. "He has been a 3-4 end, but he is a big, strong guy who can play inside on first and second downs and then move outside to end."

Canty, who the Giants guaranteed $17 million, said he would "love" to play on the inside.

"I don't think it's going to be a big deal," he told Giants.com. "I did some gap scheme things in Dallas. I am excited for the opportunity to do whatever they want me to do."

Had the Giants not signed Canty, he likely would have wound up in Green Bay. The Cowboys never seriously negotiated with Canty because they were unwilling to pay him such a lucrative deal the same year they've made it a priority to sign Pro Bowl linebacker DeMarcus Ware to a long-term extension.

Canty had 37 tackles and three sacks last season. A fifth-round pick in 2005, he started 48 straight games during the past three seasons.

Canty is the second of Dallas' unrestricted free agents to sign with another club. Miami gave backup guard Joe Berger a three-year deal Friday.

Quarterback Brooks Bollinger, nose tackle Tank Johnson, safety Keith Davis and linebackers Carlos Polk, Kevin Burnett and Zach Thomas are the Cowboys' other unrestricted free agents.