The cost-cutting for NFL teams has begun and for the Giants, Ahmad Bradshaw and Cris Canty were the first on the chopping block.
“I saw it coming because of the money,” Bradshaw told ESPN’s Josina Anderson. “Everything is about money, I guess, so yes I was expecting it. I’m not discouraged at all. I’m just looking towards getting healthy and working with somebody else. That is all I can do.”
According to Mike Garafolo of USA Today, the Giants save $2.75 million on the cap by cutting ties with Bradshaw, who had two years remaining on his contract. It can also be because Bradshaw had been pretty banged up over the last few seasons. According to Dan Hanzus, Bradshaw was seen in New Orleans on a motorized scooter wearing a walking boot after undergoing another procedure on his right foot two weeks ago. Bradshaw has had the right foot operated on at least three times, to go with procedures on his left foot and both ankles.
In 14 games last season, Bradshaw finished with 1,015 yards and six touchdowns on 221 rushes, averaging 4.6 yards per carry.
Canty battled his way back from offseason knee surgery to play in nine games last year after starting the season on the physically unable to perform list. He had 26 tackles and three sacks in nine games last season. The Giants also have starter Linval Joseph, 2011 second-round pick Marvin Austin and Markus Kuhn at defensive tackle so the loss of Canty I don’t think will hurt the Giants.
Expect to see more of this as teams look to cut certain high priced salary players to make room for other high priced salary players.