Jerry Reese Shakes up the Giants

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EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J. -- The New York Giants released linebacker LaVar Arrington and two other starters Monday in the first major shake-up under new general manager Jerry Reese.


New York also cut linebacker Carlos Emmons and offensive tackle Luke Petitgout, both of whom were slowed by injuries over the last two seasons.
The release of Arrington ended a brief and unsatisfying tenure with the Giants for the former Pro Bowler, who was signed last year for $49 million over seven years but suffered an Achilles injury against Dallas on Oct. 23 and played in only six games.
"LaVar's situation is unfortunate because he was just starting to really become a factor in our defense at the time of his injury," Reese said.
Reese, who last month replaced the retired Ernie Accorsi, served notice that he will not stand pat with a team that won the NFC East in 2005 but was humiliated in a first-round playoff loss to Carolina, then squeaked into the playoffs last season with an 8-8 record and again lost in the first round.
"These are difficult decisions," Giants head coach Tom Coughlin said. "But as Jerry and I looked at the roster, they are decisions we felt we had to make as we start to compose our team for the upcoming season."
Combined with the retirement of running back Tiki Barber, the Giants now have additional salary-cap space to pursue free agents this offseason. Emmons had two years remaining on a five-year contract worth $16.5 million and was to make $2 million this year, and Petitgout had two years left on his contract and was due $5 million for 2007.
Arrington, whose contract was filled with incentives, was scheduled to make $900,000 next season.
Petitgout started 106 games at tackle and guard over eight seasons for the Giants, but broke his leg against Chicago on Nov. 12 and missed the Giants' final seven games. He became expendable when guard David Diehl switched to left tackle and played well in his absence.
Dumping Petitgout's contract could give the Giants a better shot at re-signing free-agent center Shaun O'Hara.
Emmons, acquired from Philadelphia in 2004, played in 36 games in three seasons but missed a total of 11 games in the last two seasons with a pectoral injury.
Calls to the agents for all three players were not immediately returned Monday evening.


-Associated Press

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Dr. Giganto

I was gonna post about this earlier, but then 24 started...Emmons has been pretty disappointing, Arrington was just starting to turn the corner before getting hurt, but he's ultra-injury prone. And Petitgout is pretty terrible. all good moves, I think

Freak

Last offseason, Packers fans were debating whether Ted Thompson should throw the bank at either Charles Woodson or LaVar Arrington.

After a very solid campaign by Woodson, I gotta say I'm thrilled by his decision.

Side note: Tom, how did Sinorice Moss look in the second half of the season? Did he see the field much?

Dr. Giganto

Sinorice really didn't get much playing time after his injury. Which was kinda frustrating because he would come in, make a 10-yard catch, and then sit on the bench the rest of the game while Tim Fucking Carter played every down dropping 5 catchable passes a game.

Sinorice also took over kick returning duties when Chad Morton got hurt against the Saints, and he was pretty ineffective in that role. I hope he takes a big leap forward this coming season, and I hope I never have to see Tim Carter in a Giants uniform ever again

WackoJako

That kinda sucks for Lavar, but I mean if he's able to rehab somewhat decent he'll pick up another decent signing bonus from some team this year.

Freak

I could see a team like New Orleans throwing some money at him, praying it pans out. He's still just 28, and his raw tools make him a huge risk-reward kind of guy... but I only recently stopped saying that about guys like David Boston and Darrell Russell, and they've faded into oblivion.

Killswitch

Arrington was a total bust for NY. He needs to learn how to play in a team defense. How many years in the league, and he hasn't done it yet. Pettigout is a surprise but hasn't he been injury prone in recent years? I really don't see anyone here who isn't irreplacable.

Dr. Giganto

They also cut Chad Morton, and word is Tim Carter is on his way out too (thank God...)

This dude is definitely cleaning house. And clearing out a lot of cap space for some defensive FAs (Asante Samuel? Nate Clements? Lance Briggs? I'd be happy with any of those guys)

Killswitch

Arrington may retire, depending on how his leg heals up. There's no doubt, he's not the type of player he was all those years ago. Age, injuries and being in a different defensive system practically every year for the past five seasons won't help.