The New York Giants know they are over the cap for next season, which is one reason why the team decided to cut ties with linebacker Michael Boley on Tuesday.
According to ESPN senior NFL writer John Clayton, the Giants are projected to be $4.7 million over the cap, which is why Boley was released. The linebacker was set to make a $4.25 million in base salary this coming season and is one of a number of veteran Giants players that could be released in the next couple weeks.
Boley was one of the keys to the Giants defense this season and played a big part during their Super Bowl run last year. The 30-year-old was the starting outside linebacker for most of his four season in New York, but saw his playing time diminish at the end of the 2012 season. Boley also dealt with injuries over the past two years.
"Michael Boley was brought here as a fast, athletic, versatile linebacker," Tom Coughlin said in a statement released by the team. "We recognized his special skills were in coverage. He's a smart player who made some big plays for us. He was an integral part of our Super Bowl XLVI championship team. Michael played outstanding football down the stretch for us that season."
Boley finished this season fourth on the Giants in tackles with 84 and added three interceptions and two fumble recoveries, one of which was a 70-yard touchdown return against Pittsburgh. He also had a long interception return against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
The Giants signed Boley four years ago before the 2009 season after he played in Atlanta for four seasons. Over the course of his Giants career, Boley started 50 of his 57 games and had 315 tackles, 3.5 sacks, three interceptions, two forced fumbles and five fumble recoveries (two resulting in touchdowns).
New York's weakest defensive unit has been the linebacker corps over the past few years and the loss of Boley likely will weaken the roster even more. The team has a number of young players that will have the chance to step up and take his place, including Jacquian Williams, who made the key play causing Kyle Williams to fumble in last year's NFC Championship game.
Williams had 30 tackles, 1.0 sack and two passes defended in his first full season and he recorded three tackles in the season finale against the Eagles. The Giants could bring back Chase Blackburn in the middle and also have Spencer Paysinger and Keith Rivers at weakside linebacker, with Mathias Kiwanuka on the strongside.
The Giants were ranked 28th in passing yards and 25th in rushing yards allowed per game, one reason why they finished 9-7 and out of the playoffs.