The New York Giants have officially released linebacker Connor Barwin after one disappointing season with Big Blue.
On Monday, per Dan Salomone of Giants.com, the New York Giants officially released linebacker Connor Barwin. Barwin only played one season with the Giants and it was the least productive year in the veteran pass rusher’s career.
The Giants signed Barwin last July in hopes he would provide added depth to the team’s pass rush. All-in-all, he was non-existent in most games. Appearing in 15 games during the regular season, Barwin racked up 12 combined tackles with only one sack and four pass deflections.
Having signed a two-year, $3.5 million deal with the Giants last year, Barwin was slated to make $1.25 million in 2019. The Giants will take a $365,000 cap hit in dead money, however, will clear a roster spot for a potential free agent or drafted rookie linebacker.
The Giants broke the news to Barwin in late January. In response, Barwin posted his jersey to Instagram, writing “The journey continues…thankful for it all!”
The 32-year-old veteran was originally drafted in the second round (46th overall) by the Houston Texans in 2009 out of the University of Cincinnati. Barwin played for the Texans until 2012, took his talents to the Eagles from 2013-16, and has since played for the Rams in 2017 and, of course, the Giants in 2018.
Barwin may not be the only Big Blue linebacker who will be released this offseason. The Giants have pondered the idea of releasing pass-rusher Olivier Vernon. Vernon signed a five-year, $85 million deal prior to the 2016 season. Ever since, he has simply underperformed for the Giants.
After Barwin’s release and the potential release of Vernon, we could see a lot more of linebacker Lorenzo Carter next season. Carter had 43 total tackles and four sacks during his rookie season.
Time will only tell where Barwin ends up after this release. But wherever he goes, good luck to him.
