Giants Release Cornerback Nick McCloud

The New York Giants have released cornerback Nick McCloud, who started five of his seven games this season and contributed significantly on special teams. The decision comes after the Giants asked McCloud to take a pay cut from his $3 million contract, a move that has been effective for general manager Joe Schoen in the past but backfired in this instance. McCloud struggled in pass coverage, allowing a passer rating of 149.1 and missing 25% of his tackle attempts, leading to concerns about the team's depth in the secondary. With the trade deadline approaching, the Giants face a critical need to bolster their cornerback position, especially given the underperformance of Deonte Banks and the overall struggles of the unit. McCloud's departure highlights the Giants' ongoing challenges in finding reliable cornerback talent, as they now look to fill the gaps with players from their practice squad. His release saves the Giants approximately $1.4 million against the salary cap as they navigate a tight financial situation.