Giants Release Linebacker Michael Boley

With the Giants reportedly $4.7 million over the 2013 salary cap, New York began trimming players that are not in their long-term  plans, starting with linebacker Michael Boley.

The 30-year old Boley recently completed his eighth NFL season and fourth with the Giants, whom he joined in 2009 as an unrestricted free agent after four seasons with Atlanta. In 2012, he played in all 16 games with 11 starts and finished fourth on the team with 84 tackles (61 solo). He also intercepted three passes (one in each of the first three games), had a half-sack and recovered two fumbles, including one he returned 70 yards for a touchdown against Pittsburgh on Nov. 4.

“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. “He also played an important role in helping us win Super Bowl XLVI. I wish him well as he moves forward in his career.”

“Michael Boley was brought here as a fast, athletic, versatile linebacker,” added head coach Tom Coughlin. “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.”

Boley, who played in 57 games with 50 starts, most of them at weakside linebacker, for the Giants, had had some injury issues each of the last two years. With third-year player Jacquian Williams developing as a potential replacement at the weakside linebacker spot, Boley appeared unlikely to finish out the last year of his contract with the team.

The  move saves the Giants $3.1 million against the cap. Boley was due a $4.25 million base salary in 2013, and a $250,000 workout bonus. His prorated signing bonus of $1.4 million, which was the other part of his $5.9 million salary cap figure this year, will count against the Giants’ cap as dead money.