"When the Giants cleaned out their lockers and headed home after a playoff-less season last January, Keith Bulluck said he appreciated the opportunity but did not want to return if it meant filling the same limited role he assumed in 2010.

Bulluck half-jokingly said he would "go buy a boat" rather than play anywhere in the NFL as a part-timer.

The veteran linebacker this week told The Post he wants to come back to the Giants, but he hasn't backed off his stance that he needs to play more to satisfy his competitive urges.

"Definitely this year, no matter where I go, I would have to play a bigger role," Bulluck said. "I don't have to be an every-down player, but I need to play to my strengths and that's the passing downs.

Last season, Bulluck took a seat on passing downs, because the Giants did not trust his ability to drop in coverage coming off reconstructive surgery to repair a torn left anterior cruciate ligament in his left knee. Bulluck started 127 consecutive games before shredding the knee on Dec. 20, 2009 in what turned out to be his final appearance for the Titans. The Giants signed him last July 24, just one week before training camp and only seven months after surgery.

Bulluck, set to be a free agent when the lockout ends, hasn't thoroughly examined his 2010 performance because, he says, he knows what he did -- and did not -- accomplish. He aced his first goal of proving that his knee could hold up, playing in 13 games, and the three games he missed were the result of a turf toe injury.

Bulluck started eight games at strong side linebacker and his production was modest: 28 total tackles, no sacks, two interceptions, one fumble recovery."