Giants Release Vet Kicker, Embrace Youth

0:00It's March 30th. You're listening to NFL News today, AI-powered football coverage. I'm Cory with the story. The New York Giants finally pulled the trigger and released their veteran kicker, Graham Gano, this past Sunday. It was a move everyone saw coming, saving them $4.5 million on this year's salary cap, though it leaves $1.25 million. In dead money behind, Gano's turning 39 next month on April 9th. He inked that 3-year deal worth $16.5 million before the 2023 season, and back then it seemed like a solid bet. Since he'd been lights out reliable in the years before, but injuries hit hard, limiting him to just 23 games over the past three seasons, including only five this year. Fans and analysts aren't shocked. Gano's body just couldn't hold up anymore, after posting an 87.4% field goal rate across hitters. Six years with the team. The Giants needed fresh legs at the position to stay competitive. Now they've got options on the roster, Rookie Ben Salz, who went eight

1:02for eight on field goals late last season, and they just signed Jason Sanders. In free agency. Sanders, at 30 years old, nailed 84.6% with the dolphins over seven years, but set out the whole 2025 season. With a hip issue, this shake up clear space for the young blood to step up and handle the pressure as the Giants rebuild their special teams game.