The New York Giants released linebacker Mathias Kiwanuka on Tuesday.
The Giants officially listed the move as a “failed physical.” Kiwanuka is still recovering from knee surgery. He was going to make $4.825 million in salary and bonuses this year and count $7.45 million against the salary cap, according to ESPN. The Giants will save $4.825 million against the cap this year by releasing Kiwanuka. Kinwanuka will be able to sign with any team.
"The thing that has always impressed me about Kiwi is how serious he is about the game," Giants coach Tom Coughlin said in the team's news release. "He was always prepared and always in outstanding condition and played very hard. And he had some nasty in him. I always felt like you could count on certain things from him: eight [or] nine sacks, harass the quarterback, and you could move him around, inside, outside. He is dependable, reliable and there is no question about his professionalism. His character and professionalism and serious approach to the game will be missed."
Kinwanuka was the Giants first-round pick in the 2006 draft. He had spent his entire nine year career with the Giants. Last year, he had 28 tackles and 2.5 sacks before going on injured reserve with a knee injury, according to the New York Post. Kinwanuka has 38.5 career sacks and won two Super Bowls with the Giants.
Kinwanuka’s release means that Robert Ayers is the only veteran defensive end on the Giants roster. The Giants must retain Pierre Paul or get help from free agency or the draft. Eli Manning and Zak DeOssie are the only players left on the team from the Giants two Super Bowl wins.
The Giants were 6-10 last year, which was their worst record since 2004.