New York Giants give contract extension to Mathias Kiwanuka through 2015 – NFL News
When the New York Giants utilised their first two picks in the 2012 National Football League (NFL) draft to add strength to their offensive squad, many observers thought that they were ignoring their defensive unit, which apparently needed more help.
However, Giants had other plans and along with selecting a cornerback in the third round of the draft, they also gave a contract extension to linebacker, Mathias Kiwanuka, on Friday, April 27.
The new contract will run through the 2015 season.
Kiwanuka started his professional NFL career with Giants in 2006 after signing a five-year, $10 million deal with $5 million guaranteed money.
In his rookie season, he started nine games of the regular season while playing 16 in which he made 53 tackles and 4.0 sacks.
In his second season, Kiwanuka played 10 games and got nine starts. He registered a total of 46 tackles and 4.5 sacks in that season.
He was given the status of the team’s regular starter in his third year in which the linebacker played and started all 16 games of the regular season and posted 51 tackles and 8.0 sacks.
In his fourth season, however, Kiwanuka’s role was once again reduced and he started six games in the regular season while playing 16 in which he recorded 61 tackles and 3.0 sacks.
In his final year of the rookie deal, Kiwanuka could not play the complete season as he received a neck injury and was not allowed to take the field.
In that season, he only played three games while starting only one.
Last year, Giants re-signed Kiwanuka on a two-year deal and the player did not disappoint his selectors.
Out of 16 games of the regular season, he started 15. He registered his career-best 84 tackles while recording 3.5 sacks.
The management was apparently satisfied with his performance and decided to give him the contract extension.
On the other hand, the contract situation of Giants’ defensive end, Osi Umenyiora, is still not clear and it seems that the player and the management have not yet reached any amicable solution to the issue.
When asked about how he feels about the contract extension of his teammate, Kiwanuka, Osi mailed his response to the AP. He said:
“Well, I can say I’m happy for Kiwi, that’s for sure. He deserves it after all he has been through. It’s a good move by the (Giants).”
He added:
“It’s business. I don’t feel anything but happy for Kiwi honestly. My situation will take care of itself soon.”
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