The New York Giants have decided to part ways with running back Jonathan Stewart after one disappointing season.
Looks like another New York Giants employee won’t return for the 2019 season.
On Monday, per Ralph Vacchiano of SNY, the Giants have decided to part ways with running back Jonathan Stewart. They previously had the choice to pick up Stewart’s 2019 option, but ultimately chose to cut the veteran.
Stewart was slated to make $2.35 million next season.
The Giants are not picking up the option on the contract of RB Jonathan Stewart, according to a source. He signed a two-year, $6.9M contract with the Giants last March. He played 3 games and rushed six times for 17 yards.
— Ralph Vacchiano (@RVacchianoSNY) February 6, 2019
Big Blue signed the former Panther to a two-year deal last March. Having signed him before drafting running back Saquon Barkley, Stewart was brought to play mostly a mentor role. He was also expected to be a somewhat-reliable option for instances in which Barkley was on the sideline.
However, Stewart only carried the ball six times for 17 yards through three games. He eventually found himself on the injured reserve list with a foot injury.
That’ll now be how his career as a Giant ultimately ends.
In January, Stewart spoke with Ryan Dunleavy of nj.com about how he believes he can still be an effective back in the NFL.
“I think I still have gas,” Stewart said. “It was disappointing. I’m not going to lie about that. But it was a season where God put me in a position to offer my experience and my assistance in different ways.”
At 31-years of age, Stewart can still provide depth to teams’ running games in this league. He just has to stay healthy, something he very much didn’t do while on the Giants.
Stewart wasn’t the only Giant cut this week after one season. Linebacker Connor Barwin was just released on Monday. Barwin was signed last offseason to provide depth to the Giants’ pass rush.
Although playing in 15 games, Barwin finished the year with one sack, having under-performed throughout the entire season.
