After not being able to reconstruct to a new deal, the New York Giants had no choice but to release running back Brandon Jacobs. The Giants were looking to reduce Jacobs' amount to have more cap flexibility, and Jacobs was open towards doing so if it was fair.
He was due a $500,000 roster bonus this off-season to go along with the $4.4 million he is scheduled to make.
Jacobs was originally drafted by New York in 2005 as a fourth-round pick. He finishes his career with the G-Men with about 5,000 rushing yards and a franchise-record 56 touchdowns. Jacobs was a key part to the team's two Super Bowl victories over the Patriots these past five years.
Jacobs should keep his head high after this. With two Super Bowl wins with the franchise, he should be happy moving on to the rest of his career.
"Brandon has truly been a great Giant," general manager Jerry Reese said in a statement. "These times are always very hard for me. We had a very good conversation today. We don't know what the future holds for Brandon, but we wish only the very best for him and his family."
The Giants were also able to fix up Eli Manning's contract to free up more than $7 million in cap space.
"Brandon helped us win two world championships," Giants coach Tom Coughlin said in a statement. "He always did what was in the best interest of the team. No matter what you asked him to do, he performed and played in whatever role we asked him to perform. He really was a team player."
Jacobs will turn 30 years old on July 6 and still has a few more years left in the tank. Who knows where he will go, but I wish the best to the big guy.
Josh has been writing since January 2009 and has founded the websites FootBasket, Hardcourt Mayhem, Gridiron Mayhem, and Staring Down Spike. For a full bio, check out JoshDhani.com. Follow him on Twitter @JoshDhani
