Mathias Kiwanuka Released by Giants: Latest Details and Reaction

In a cost-cutting move as the New York Giants look to rebuild their roster and return to the postseason, the team has decided to cut longtime defensive end Mathias Kiwanuka.

Kimberly Jones of NFL.com initially reported the news:

The Giants confirmed the news and provided comments from GM Jerry Reese and head coach Tom Coughlin:

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Mathias has a warrior mentality,” said Reese. “He has been the ultimate team player for this franchise, and was a true pro from day one."

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"The thing that has always impressed me about Kiwi is how serious he is about the game,” said head coach Tom Coughlin. “He was always prepared and always in outstanding condition and played very hard. And he had some nasty in him."

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"His character and professionalism and serious approach to the game will be missed.

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As Nick Powell of NJ.com wrote in December, cutting ties with Kiwanuka will only cost the Giants $2.63 million against the cap, as opposed to the $7.45 million hit they would be taking were he still on the roster.

Ralph Vacchiano of the New York Daily News has more on the team's cap situation:

It's not terribly surprising that the Giants would decide to make this move. Kiwanuka, who will turn 32 in March, played in just 11 games in 2014, finishing with 28 tackles, 2.5 sacks and two forced fumbles. Outside of his 2010 campaign, when he played just three games, it was his least productive season as a pro.

Kiwanuka will probably find another team once free agency begins, though his age and the knee injury that ended his season in 2014 will be a concern for teams. The Giants, meanwhile, now have a nice chunk of cap space to address several positions of need as they look to improve on last year's disappointing 6-10 record.