New York Giants Give Mathias Kiwanuka 3-Year, $16.5 Million Extension
The likelihood that the New York Giants will trade Osi Umenyiora just increased; the team announced today they have extended the contract of defensive end/outside linebacker Mathias Kiwanuka.
April 27, 2012 2:13 pm via twitterfeedReplyRetweetFavorite
According to a report by The Newark Star Ledger’s Mike Garafolo, Kiwanuka’s contract is now good for the next four seasons at $21.75 million. The new money in the deal is reportedly $16.5 million.
Osi was reached out to via email by Garafolo and had this to say.
“Well, I can say I’m happy for Kiwi, that’s for sure. He deserves it, after all he has been through. It’s a good move by them.”
After severely injuring his neck during the 2010 season Kiwanuka came off the books as an unrestricted free agent. He drew interest from a few teams, but in the end signed a two year deal worth $8 million. It was hardly worthy of a player of Kiwanuka’s talent, but given the severity of his injury, and the fact that he had been injured before, he needed a “prove-it” contract.
Well Kiwanuka showed all he needed to deserve this contract extension in 2011. He was the Giants’ most consistent run stopper from the position and gives the Giants so much versatility as a pass rusher in their NASCAR package. That is the name for the famous formation when Perry Fewell lines up four defensive ends on the line of scrimmage.
This also could switch up the Giants’ draft strategy if they decide to hold on to Osi for one more year. They could take a project defensive end later in the draft under that scenario. However, if they do decide to trade Osi, defensive end should still be a priority. Remember Dave Tollefson signed with the Oakland Raiders this off season.
Either way this was a brilliant move by management. Kiwanuka is one of the more underrated defenders in the NFL.
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