Giants Interested In Keeping Justin Tuck, Mathias Kiwanuka A Cap Casualty?

According to Dan Graziano ESPN.com, there are “rumblings” that the New York Giants are interested in bringing back DE Justin Tuck next season.

Graziano admits that “as recently as a month ago, I didn’t know anyone who thought Tuck would be back with the Giants in 2014.”

Tuck’s recent four-sack performance against Washington certainly improves his value as he prepares for free agency this offseason.

Graziano mentions that if Tuck’s asking price is reasonable, a return to New York can’t be ruled out at this point in time.

Graziano adds that DE Mathias Kiwanuka could be a cap casualty in the offseason.

Kiwanuka, 30, signed a four-year, $21.75 million deal back in 2012 and is set to make $4.375 million in 2014 with a cap figure of $7 million. Releasing Kiwanuka would free up $1.8 million that they could use to keep Tuck.

On the season, Kiwanuka has totaled 24 tackles, four sacks and one forced fumble. Pro Football Focus has him rated as the second worst qualifying 4-3 outside linebacker this season, as he appears to be struggling across the board.

With this in mind, it makes sense that the Giants would at least consider the possibility of getting out of  Kiwanuka’s contract now and use the saving elsewhere.

We have Tuck listed as the No. 34 player in our Top 50 – 2014 Free Agents list.