Kenny Golladay released: Why did Giants cut star WR? 

Cleveland Browns Training Camp
Kenny Golladay at Cleveland Browns Training Camp

New York Giants wide receiver Kenny Golladay will be released from the team on the first day of the league year, which is March 15.

He will be released after two disappointing seasons with the Giants.

On March 20, 2021, Golladay signed a four-year, $72 million contract with New York and was expected to be a big weapon for the Giants' offense.

A big year in 2019 led to his massive extension. Golladay recorded career-highs in receiving yards (1,190) and touchdowns (11) while hauling in 116 catches. The season prior, he hauled in 119 catches for 1,063 yards and five touchdowns.

In 2020, Kenny Golladay only played in five games, recording 20 catches for 338 yards and two touchdowns. He was sidelined for most of the season due to a hip injury suffered in Week 8 vs. the Indianapolis Colts.

What happened to Kenny Golladay's $72 millon deal with Giants?

New York Giants v Minnesota Vikings
New York Giants v Minnesota Vikings

Golladay was released after two seasons into his deal. In 2021, he had a cap hit of $4.4 million and last season he had a big cap hit of $21.1 million. He was set to earn $21.4 million with the Giants this season. Since he has a dead cap hit of $14.7 million this season, the Giants will save $6.7 million following the move.

In his first season with the team in 2021, Golladay played in 14 games but produced minimal production.

He recorded 37 receptions on 76 targets for 521 yards and zero touchdowns. This past season, he appeared in 12 total games but only started four. He recorded six receptions for 81 yards and one touchdown. Altogether, he only recorded 43 catches for 602 yards and one touchdown in two seasons with the Giants. Many consider Golladay's signing to be one of the biggest free agent busts in NFL history.

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Kenny Golladay will be able to talk, visit, and negotiate with teams once the new league year begins on March 15. He will be entering his seventh season at age 29 and should have some interest, although he won't get a contract like the one the Giants rewarded him with.

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