The New York Giants are projected to be over the salary cap for 2013 and some veteran players are falling victim to football's business side, including running back Ahmad Bradshaw and lineman Chris Canty.
According to reports, Bradshaw is the latest veteran Giants player to be released after linebacker Michael Boley, who was cut loose this week after four years with the team. According to Pro Football Talk, the team is parting ways with Bradshaw, says sources. News also came out on Tuesday that the Giants were parting ways with defensive lineman Chris Canty, who spent four years with the team. He said yesterday at a charity event that he had not been approached about a pay cut by the team.
The reason for the cuts is due to Bradshaw's base salary going up from $3 million to $3.75 million. According to ESPN senior NFL writer John Clayton, the Giants are projected to be $4.7 million over the cap.
Speculation started flying after a tweet from tweet License Plate Guy Joe Ruback, who wrote: "Nature of the business!! @AhmadBradshaw will probably be let go (brought back I hope) just dont be surprised people. Let everything play out."
Bradshaw has been one of the most important players for the Giants during their two Super Bowl runs, but the running back has been hindered by injuries during his entire career and he recently got another procedure done on one of his surgically-repaired feet. Bradshaw had two years left on his contract, due $3.75 million in 2013 and $4 million in 2014. His cap numbers were above $6 million each year.
"I can't say it's a concern, but it's always that chance of me not being there next year," Bradshaw said to NJ.com. "With David (Wilson) there, Andre (Brown), they may have what they're looking for with them, and may be light on cash. ... I hope to be a Giant no matter what, but you never know what happens. It's all business."
Bradshaw rushed for 1,050 yards in 14 games last season. His career high came in 2010, when he gained 1,235 yards. The team drafted running back David Wilson out of Virginia Tech last season and likely feel comfortable getting rid of Bradshaw since they have a young player to take his place.
Canty was injured for the first half of this season and also missed half of his first year with the Giants in 2009. He was signed that year along with Boley and he said after the linebacker was cut that he was "shocked". Now he likely is shocked by his own situation. Canty played in 16 games two years ago and during the Super Bowl season, but this year he had just 26 tackles with 3.0 sacks in nine games.
The Giants went 9-7 last season and missed the playoffs after wining Super Bowl XLVI. The team started the year 6-2, but slumped towards the end with losses to the Atlanta Falcons and the Baltimore Ravens.
Boley was also let go after being signed 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.
