Giants cut veteran linebacker Michael Boley
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The Giants moved quickly to rearrange their roster in order to reclaim the Lombardi Trophy.
The team announced Tuesday they were parting ways with veteran linebacker Michael Boley, who had played the last four seasons with the Giants. He spent the first four years of his career with the Falcons.
“Michael came in and learned our defense quickly and he added speed, coupled with big play ability, to our defensive unit,” general manager Jerry Reese said in a statement. “He also played an important role in helping us win Super Bowl XLVI. I wish him well as he moves forward in his career.”
The move didn’t exactly come as a surprise, with Boley losing playing time down the stretch last season. The Giants had plenty of linebacker depth with second-year player Jacquian Williams and last season’s free-agent signing Keith Rivers. Boley had just five total tackles in limited time the final three games of the season.
Boley had one year remaining on a five-year, $25 million contract he signed when he joined the Giants. The move will free up salary cap space to re-sign players such as restricted free agent Victor Cruz and unrestricted free agents Will Beatty, Kenny Phillips and Martellus Bennett.
Over his four seasons with the Giants, Boley had 263 tackles, 3.5 sacks, three interceptions and two forced fumbles.
“Michael Boley was brought here as a fast, athletic, versatile linebacker,” head coach Tom Coughlin said in a statement. “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.”
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