NFL Salary Cap Casualties: 6 Linebackers Who Might Be New York Giants
By Neal Lynch
This past week was the first that we’d see teams begin making cuts to free up space under the salary cap. Spotrac.com took an early at potential NFL salary cap casualties. We’ve already taken a look at likely cuts who could be Giants at the tight end, wide receiver, defensive back, offensive line, and defensive line positions. Now, we’re reviewing the options at linebacker, specifically inside linebacker.
Jerod Mayo, ILB (New England Patriots)
Age: 30
2016 Cap Hit: $11,400,000
Likeliness Grade for Trade / Cut: A
If Traded or Cut:
Pre 3/9: $4.4M in 2016 dead cap ($7M savings)
3/9 – 6/1: $8.4M in 2016 dead cap ($3M savings)
Post 6/1: $7.4M in 2016 dead cap ($4M savings), $1M in 2017 dead cap
If this were the 2013 offseason, everyone would be on board with bringing him in, but he only played 6 games each in 2013 and 2014 then only started 8 of 16 games last season due to injury. He finished 2015 on the injured reserve and reports indicate he won’t return under current contract terms. The two-down linebacker is a 2-time Pro Bowler and 1-time All-Pro, but the Giants need guys who can stay on the field.
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