Michael Boley Surprised by Release, and More NFC East News

The first big cut of the New York Giants offseason took place less than 48 hours after the Baltimore Ravens beat the San Francisco 49ers in Super Bowl XLVII, and now the G-men are left with a hole on the weak side with Michael Boley a free man. 

It seemed like a fairly obvious move with Boley's release saving the Giants more than $3 million, but it still came as "a bit of a surprise" to the eight-year veteran, according to Jenny Vrentas of the Newark Star-Ledger.

Interestingly, Boley also told Vrentas that he wasn't asked to take a pay cut prior to being released. Combine that with a decrease in playing time late in the year and it's probably safe to conclude that the Giants were prepared to move on regardless of what Boley was costing them.

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"That's a little bit of a shock to the system," defensive tackle Chris Canty told Vrentas. "He's a terrific football player, he brings speed to our defense, the ability to cover ... so he gives us a lot of versatility. To have to replace a guy like that is going to be tough. Those guys don't come a dime a dozen in the National Football League."

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On to what else is being talked about in the league's most popular division...

Dallas Cowboys

From Jon Machota of the Dallas Morning News: If Jerry Jones really believes in Jason Garrett, he'll give him a long-term contract extension.

From Pro Football Talk's Mike Florio: Former Cowboys defensive coordinator Rob Ryan is on the verge of joining the New Orleans Saints.

New York Giants

ESPNNewYork.com's Ohm Youngmisuk looks at who might be on the chopping block next after Boley's release.

Canty also tells Vrentas that the Giants could have competed with either team that played in Sunday's Super Bowl.

Philadelphia Eagles

CSN Philly's Reuben Frank thinks this is the end of the line in Philadelphia for Danny Watkins, Clay Harbor, King Dunlap, Demetress Bell and, of course, Michael Vick.

Forbes has concluded that Michael Vick is the seventh-least likable athlete in America.

Washington Redskins

ESPN.com's Dan Graziano says we shouldn't expect Washington to turn the ball over as rarely as it did in 2012.

From Mike Jones of the Washington Post: Offensive tackle Jordan Black's suspension has been lifted for offseason practice purposes.