If there is any downside to winning two Super Bowls in a five-year span, it’s the price for success. Keeping the team together and continuity are more valued and as a result, players get rewarded for being part of the fun.
Given the money the Giants had to distribute, they are not in terrible shape when it comes to gearing up for the 2013 season, but at the moment, they are $4.7 million over the projected salary cap, according to ESPN. It means the Giants have plenty of work to do in the coming months, especially because they have 22 of their own free agents to consider.
It is going to cost to secure Victor Cruz, who probably is looking for a contract that will pay him in the high-rent neighborhood of $10 million per season. There’s also got to be money set aside to re-sign their left tackle, Will Beatty, who is coming off a solid season at a position where young talent gets big bucks.
The Giants also will consider their other free agents which include guard Kevin Boothe, tight end Martellus Bennett, safety Stevie Brown and kicker Lawrence Tynes.
There’s little doubt a few contracts are going to have to be adjusted and it will not be surprising if a pricey veteran or two gets cut.
Linebacker Michael Boley is scheduled to make $4.25 million in 2013 and he is coming off a so-so season in which he saw his playing time diminish in the last few weeks. Defensive end Justin Tuck ($4.5 million) did not have a strong season, but he’s entering the last year on his contract and is expected to be back. Because of coach Tom Coughlin’s desire to have two or three capable running backs, it is doubtful Ahmad Bradshaw ($3.75 million) is in any danger.
Atop the list of players likely to be asked to accept a salary adjustment is cornerback Corey Webster, who has one year at $7 million left on his deal and is coming off a sub-par season. Other contracts that might have to be adjusted in order to save precious salary cap space include defensive tackle Chris Canty ($6.25 million), guard Chris Snee ($6.45 million), center David Baas ($4.25 million) and maybe safety Antrel Rolle, who has two years and $14 million left on his contract.
Elsewhere in the NFC East, the Cowboys ($18.2 million over the cap) are in the worst shape and the Eagles ($5.2 million under) are in the best shape. The Redskins are $4 million over the cap.