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The New York Giants continued their push to clear salary cap space on Monday, restructuring the contract of tight end Levine Toiolo and also releasing wide receiver Cody Core.
Core missed the entire 2020 season after suffering a Achilles tendon in mid-August. He was later placed on injured reserve with a “fail physical” designation.
The 26-year-old Core originally signed with the Giants ahead of the 2019 season and went on to lead the team with eight special teams tackles (six solo) that year. He also caught three passes for 28 yards and two first downs — all of which came in a Week 2 loss to the Buffalo Bills.
Prior to his time with New York, Core spent three seasons with the Cincinnati Bengals, who selected him in the sixth-round of the 2016 NFL draft.
Core was slated to earn a salary of $2 million in 2021 to go along with a $500,000 roster bonus and a $50,000 workout bonus. With no dead cap on the books, Core’s release saves the Giants another $2 million in cap space.
However, Core’s time in East Rutherford may not be over. ESPN’s Jordan Raanan suggests that the wide receiver may return on a smaller deal somewhere down the line.
The Giants cut WR Cody Core. He was due a $500K bonus in the coming weeks. Set to count $2M vs cap. Currently rehabbing a torn Achilles. Still a good chance he returns. “Door still open,” per source. Giants liked what they saw this summer, both on special teams and as WR.
— Jordan Raanan (@JordanRaanan) March 8, 2021
Following his release, Core expressed his gratitude for the Giants and their fans.
Grateful NYG 🙏 pic.twitter.com/tY8hXpUra6
— Cody Core (@c_core17) March 8, 2021
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