While it has not yet reached a frantic pace of moves just yet its become apparent that the Lions and Giants are the most proactive teams in releasing players. The Lions have cut three players and now the Giants join them with the release of DT Chris Canty and RB Ahmad Bradshaw earlier this afternoon. The release of Canty saves the Giants $6.5 million in both cash and cap dollars while moving on from Bradshaw creates $2.75 million in additional cap room for the team while saving them $4 million in real dollars. Both releases were a bit different from the standpoint that the players and the organization had nothing but great things to say about each other despite the fact that the players were cut. One benefit for the players in this situation is that the early releases give them an early crack at free agency and the most opportunity to earn a good salary next year. Maybe more teams should consider doing that in the future.
T Demetress Bell, who had a poor year in Philadelphia, was never expected to see the 2013 season with the team, even when he signed his deal last season. It was an example of a pumped up contract designed to sound good in the media when the reality was far different. Philadelphia clears $9.6 million from the books with the move.
Today was also decision day in Philadelphia for QB Mike Vick, who now has $3 million of his salary fully guaranteed as the Eagles failed to release him. The Eagles will now control his rights and likely explore trade options before making a decision as to whether or not they need the cap space during free agency. Cutting Vick will still save the team $9.7 million in cap room and they can recapture the $3 million guarantee if another team signs him for at least that much money in 2013.
You can follow the league releases in our release tracker.