Mathias Kiwanuka was surprised when he learned friends Ahmad Bradshaw, Chris Canty and Michael Boley were cut and believes the Giants will miss their contributions both on and off the field.
The linebacker admitted Thursday morning he was taken aback when he heard the news the team had cut Boley, Bradshaw and Canty, all key contributors in the team’s Super Bowl XLVI victory.
”You’re definitely surprised because you’re talking about contributors, guys who were key factors in helping us win championships very recently,” Kiwanuka said at Franklin K. Lane High School in Brooklyn while congratulating its championship football team alongside the American Dairy Association.
Not only is the on-field personnel expected to look drastically different with the roster changes, but the locker room feel will change as well.
“The chemistry in the locker room is going to be different,” Kiwanuka said.
By releasing Bradshaw, Boley and Canty, the Giants saved $13.75 million and are projected to be about $3 million under the 2013 salary cap.
Kiwanuka, who has alternated between playing defensive line and outside linebacker for the majority of his pro career, is ready to step up and believes there are younger players who are ready to answer the call as well.
“Whatever happens, whatever’s best for this team and best to get me out there on the field, I’m ready to do it,” Kiwanuka said. “I think in that linebacker role, a guy like Spencer Paysinger, a guy we haven’t seen a lot of, he’s ready. On the defensive line I think we’ll still be strong.”
Despite all of the roster moves and teammate departures, Kiwanuka said he understands it all boils down to business and he believes all of the players involved in the recent moves will land on their feet elsewhere.
“We know that we’re playing on borrowed time throughout our careers,” Kiwanuka said. “For those guys who got let go, I just hope we don’t have to see them too early.