Cullen Jenkins Takes Pay-Cut, Hopes to Make Active Roster
By Justin Groc
Defensive tackle Cullen Jenkins knew a pay-cut was coming from the New York Giants. The 34-year-old had an injury-plagued 2014 season due to a calf injury that occurred to him during an October game against the Dallas Cowboys. Jenkins only posted one sack and 15 total tackles on the entire season. While the production and health was not there, the 11-year veteran should be commended for his ability to step in during times at defensive end after Mathias Kiwanuka was battling his own health.
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Jenkins would have made $2.25 million in 2015 if the deal had not be reworked. If he makes the active roster during the upcoming season he will likely earn between $700,000 and $1.2 million bonus (Jordan Raanan, NJ.com).
Fans will not have to worry about Jenkins becoming disgruntled because he never planned on leaving the Giants if he had his choice. He will still have a chance to make the active roster.
"“I can’t go in and expect to make all this money if I’m not holding up my part,€ said Jenkins. “I’m appreciative of another chance to play another year, go out there and try to prove myself again and that I’m not too old while helping the team get back on track to its winning ways.“A reason I chose coming to the Giants is 1) that they have a winning organization and 2) I also like the fact that they allow their older players, their veteran players, a chance to continue to play. They don’t judge players so much based on their age as long as they’re producing.”(Raanan)"
Jenkins has mentioned that it is personally meaningful for him to remain with the Giants so that his kids can finish high school within the area. The family seems to have settled in after two seasons after being southbound of I-95 with the Philadelphia Eagles.
Johnathan Hankins is expected to anchor down one starting defensive tackle position as he is coming into his own since being a second-round pick out of Ohio State. The second spot will likely be filled by Jenkins and fellow Philadelphia castoff Mike Patterson.