The Giants’ season had ended a day earlier, general manager Jerry Reese was clearly not in the mood to hand out compliments, but he did have this to say about rookie running back David Wilson:
“He’s dynamic, really kind of a world-class athlete. We think he has a bright future for us.’’
The future is now for Wilson, as Ahmad Bradshaw yesterday was released and the ball is now in Wilson’s hands. He showed a great flair for kickoff returns (franchise-record 1,533 return yards) but occupied coach Tom Coughlin’s doghouse early in his first season after losing a fumble in the season opener.
Wilson, the 2012 first-round pick from Virginia Tech, rushed for 358 yards and four touchdowns, at times showing the freakish physical skills he possesses — not only with the back-flips after scoring.
By cutting Bradshaw loose, the Giants sent a message: They believe Wilson is ready, and also that Andre Brown’s performance last season was not a fluke. Brown ran for 385 yards and a team-high eight touchdowns before suffering a fractured fibula Nov. 25 against the Packers. Wilson and Brown figure to be the 1-2 punch in the offensive backfield, with another running back added to the mix.
The release of Chris Canty is more problematic, because there is no top prospect waiting at defensive tackle. Marvin Austin was supposed to fill that role, but he has done virtually nothing in his two seasons after getting drafted in the second round in 2011.
Rookie Markus Kuhn, a seventh-round pick and native of Germany, showed some ability but tore his ACL and is coming off reconstructive surgery. Another tackle will have to be found, as veteran Rocky Bernard is a free agent and not expected back.
* The Giants also waived DT Martin Parker, who spent all of last season on injured reserve with a back injury.