New York Giants Cut Luke Petitgout, LaVar Arrington, and Carlos Emmons; Bob Whitfield Retires: The Giants officially announced yesterday that they have cut LT Luke Petitgout, LB LaVar Arrington, and LB Carlos Emmons.
OT Bob Whitfield said on Sirius Radio yesterday that he has retired from the NFL.
“Luke has been a valuable performer for our team,” said General Manager Jerry Reese. “Throughout his career he showed his versatility and toughness. Because of that, this was a difficult decision, but it was one we felt we had to make to take the first steps in improving our team for 2007. Carlos has had a tough time staying on the field consistently because of injuries the past couple years. LaVar’s situation is unfortunate because he was just starting to really become a factor in our defense at the time of his injury.”
“These are difficult decisions,” said Head Coach Tom Coughlin. “But as Jerry and I looked at the roster, they are decisions we felt we had to make as we start to compose our team for the upcoming season. Luke has been a tough competitor here, and he was really playing well before his injury last season. Carlos gave us everything he had, but his injuries the last couple years kept him from being the kind of player we know he is. LaVar was only here a short time, but as a coach, I couldn’t have asked for more from a veteran player in terms of his desire and his enthusiasm.”
Arrington may retire. “I have to decide if playing football is in my head or in my heart,” Arrington said. “If it’s in my heart, I’ll come back for an attractive situation. If it’s in my head, I’m done. I have a few other options for my life outside football. I’m not going to say I’m Tiki Barber, but I’m not chopped meat If this is the end, I’m glad the Giants gave me a chance to prove myself. I’m just disappointed things didn’t work out for all of us.”
Tiki Barber Officially Retires from Football: As expected, HB Tiki Barber officially retired from football yesterday. Barber faxed in his retirement papers to the League office yesterday morning.
“All along I’ve been firm in what I said, that this would be my final season in the NFL,” Barber said. “I have had a wonderful 10-year career. I have a lot of great memories, I’ve made a ton of lifelong friends and I will always think of my NFL career fondly. But now it’s time to move on to the next stage of my life. This should set aside any thoughts of a comeback. The next stage of my life is about to begin and I’m truly excited about it.”
Barber is reported to have signed a contract with NBC. He will be a correspondent on the “Today” show and become a member of the “Football Night in America” Sunday night broadcast team.
New York Giants Salary Cap Picture: According to The Daily News and The New York Post, the Giants were approximately $14 million under the $109 million 2007 salary cap before yesterday’s roster moves. Both newspapers say the Giants saved about $3.4 million by cutting LT Luke Petitgout and $1.1 million by cutting LB Carlos Emmons. On the other hand, cutting LB LaVar Arrington cost the team $2.9 million in cap space. The net savings supposedly was $1.6 million for these three moves.
The Daily News and The New York Post say much more cap space was created by the retirements of HB Tiki Barber and OT Bob Whitfield, for a total cap savings of $6 million. Thus, the Giants are believed to be approximately $20 million under the salary cap.
Newsday is reporting that the Giants did not reach out to Petitgout in an attempt to re-structure his contract.