NEW YORK (WFAN) -- Justin Pugh was arguably the Giants' best offensive lineman the past couple of seasons, but under new general manager Dave Gettleman, they showed little to no interest in re-signing the free agent guard this offseason.
"There wasn't much conversation there with that," the 2013 first-round pick told WFAN's "The Afternoon Drive" on Wednesday, adding his agent only talked to the Giants "slightly."
Last week, Pugh signed a five-year, $45 million contract with the Arizona Cardinals.
"They wanted me out there," the 27-year-old lineman said. "The culture and everything they had going on out there, it was the right fit for me."
MORE: Report: Giants Not In Love With Any Of Draft's Top Quarterbacks
Pugh admitted it was "tough" when he realized he and the Giants were likely headed for a split.
"It's kind of like your first girlfriend," he said. "You think that's the one. You're going to marry her, your high school sweeheart, and then all of a sudden, things don't end up working out."
But the former Syracuse standout said he's not bitter about how things ended.
"I wish the best of luck to all those guys there," Pugh said. "I want to say thank you to the Mara family, the Tisch family, everyone that gave me the opportunity there. I realize the business side of it, and I'm happy I found a home. It's always good to be wanted, and that's where I feel I'm at with Arizona right now."
MORE: Should Giants Trade Odell Beckham Jr. If Price Is Right? 'The Afternoon Drive' Discusses.
The Giants' big free agent splash came last week when they signed former Patriots left tackle Nate Solder to a four-year, $62 million contract. As a result, Big Blue will try to move former first-rounder Ereck Flowers from left to right tackle.
Pugh said that will be a "tough transition" because Flowers played on the left side throughout college and for the first three years of his NFL career.
"He's got to look forward to the challenge," Pugh said. "He's got to go into it and embrace it, because if he goes into with an attitude like 'this isn't fair, that's not what I signed up for,' he's going to dig himself into a deeper hole. So I know Ereck is going to be working his butt off in the offseason getting ready to go."
To listen to the interview, click on the audio player above.
