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Giants extend Mathias Kiwanuka through 2015
One of the Giants' best moves before their Super Bowl season in 2011 was one of their quietest. They re-signed versatile pass-rusher Mathias Kiwanuka to a low-cost two-year deal despite the career-threatening neck injury he suffered in 2010.
One year later, the Giants have rewarded Kiwanuka with a contract extension. Once again, they did it without anyone noticing.
Ralph Vacchiano of the New York Daily News noticed in the NFLPA contract database on Friday that Kiwanuka had a new contract that last until 2015. Kim Jones of NFL Network has confirmed the deal.
The database indicates that Kiwanuka's base salary dropped from $4 million to $950,000 in 2012. He is now scheduled to make $2.95 million in 2013, $4.375 million in 2014 and $4.775 million in 2015. Up-front money and bonus information is unavailable, but look for Kiwanuka to have received a big bonus to sign the contract.
Kiwanuka is really the prototypical Giant. He's massive, he's intelligent, and he can rush the passer from a variety of positions. He only had 3.5 sacks in 2011 while playing mostly linebacker, but he had a great year stuffing the run with 84 tackles. The Giants have known what players to let go of for the most part in recent years, like Kevin Boss and Steve Smith. They have also known what players to reward, and Kiwanuka is a keeper.
Osi Umenyiora, meanwhile, will have to have wait. Jones reports that Kiwanuka's contract will have no affect on Umenyiora.
One year later, the Giants have rewarded Kiwanuka with a contract extension. Once again, they did it without anyone noticing.
Ralph Vacchiano of the New York Daily News noticed in the NFLPA contract database on Friday that Kiwanuka had a new contract that last until 2015. Kim Jones of NFL Network has confirmed the deal.
The database indicates that Kiwanuka's base salary dropped from $4 million to $950,000 in 2012. He is now scheduled to make $2.95 million in 2013, $4.375 million in 2014 and $4.775 million in 2015. Up-front money and bonus information is unavailable, but look for Kiwanuka to have received a big bonus to sign the contract.
Kiwanuka is really the prototypical Giant. He's massive, he's intelligent, and he can rush the passer from a variety of positions. He only had 3.5 sacks in 2011 while playing mostly linebacker, but he had a great year stuffing the run with 84 tackles. The Giants have known what players to let go of for the most part in recent years, like Kevin Boss and Steve Smith. They have also known what players to reward, and Kiwanuka is a keeper.
Osi Umenyiora, meanwhile, will have to have wait. Jones reports that Kiwanuka's contract will have no affect on Umenyiora.
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