New York Giants salary cap breakdown after cutting Devontae Booker, Kyle Rudolph

The New York Giants released tight end Kyle Rudolph and running back Devontae Booker Wednesday in a pair of moves to create cap space

New York Giants general manager Joe Schoen has gotten down to work trimming payroll.

Sources confirm to FanSided Wednesday that the Giants have released veteran tight end Kyle Rudolph and running back Devontae Booker.

Both players were prime candidates to be cap casualties for an organization that entered the day approximately $12 million OVER the salary cap for the 2022 season, due in large part to former general manager Dave Gettleman’s reckless spending spree last offseason.

Unlike Gettleman, it appears that Schoen has a system for positional value in free agency and the NFL Draft.

Where New York Giants’ salary cap situation stands as of Wednesday’s moves

Moving on from Booker and Rudolph on Wednesday created approximately $7 million in new cap space, while triggering a $3.4 million dead-money charge.

Following Wednesday’s moves, the New York Giants are now approximately $6.26 million over the cap. Schoen and the New York Giants must get below the salary cap before the new NFL league-year begins on March 16.

Booker arrived in East Rutherford last spring, after signing a two-year deal worth $5.5 million dollars. In his lone season with the New York Giants, Booker averaged 4.1 yards per carry, and tied Saquon Barkley for the team-lead in rushing yards.