The New York Giants have a number of personnel decisions to make as the 2013 offseason heats up and they took one step closer to that on Thursday, as Corey Webster and center David Baas re-worked their deals, saving the team money and likely saving the players their jobs.
According to ESPNNewYork.com, Webster took a pay cut to ensure that team would not release him to save salary cap space, while center David Baas restructured his deal to save the team some money as well. Sources confirmed to ESPN.com that Webster is going down from $7 million he was scheduled to earn to a new base of $4 million in the final year of his contract.
Baas also reworked his deal, taking it down from $4.25 million restructured to $1.25 million for this season, according to the NFL Players Association website. After the moves, the Giants have nearly $10 million in cap space, which is necessary for them as they have a number of free agents to take care of.
The team had to cut a number of veteran players to free up cap space, including Ahmad Bradshaw and Michael Boley, while they still have players like Andre Brown and Victor Cruz as restricted free agents they would like to sign.
The main reason for Webster's pay cut is due to his poor play last season, but the team was committed to keeping him, as he was a draft pick by the Giants and was one of the most consistent corners over the first part of his career. Webster is essential to the team, as the Giants have some issues at cornerback with just Prince Amukamara and Jayron Hosley behind him.
Webster's biggest issues last season were allowing eight touchdowns in the air, tied for second most at cornerback and he also allowed a 106.6 passer rating, third-most in the NFL.
The free agent period begins on Tuesday and while it is not likely that they have already worked out a deal with Cruz, there is a chance this will help them get closer. The team is reportedly interested in free agent Charles Woodson, as he could provide depth and leadership at safety. The team also has Stevie Brown as a free agent as well as Kevin Boothe and Martellus Bennett.
General manager Jerry Reese may have more cap moves in the future, as he is trying to sign both Hakeem Nicks and Victor Cruz to contract extensions. Head coach Tom Coughlin said he was frustrated about how the talks with Cruz have gone, but he is hopeful that the team will bring him back. Nicks is about to enter the final year of his rookie deal.
