The New York Giants made a surprising move on Thursday, releasing veteran linebacker Blake Martinez. He was not voted a captain this year despite taking a pay cut, and now he’s a free agent looking for a new team.
Martinez played just three games last season, each of which he started. He started 16 games for the Giants in 2020, making 151 tackles and recording three sacks.
He’s been a starter every year since being drafted in the third round by the Packers in 2016, racking up 686 tackles in his career.
Tae Crowder should get more opportunities at linebacker now that Martinez is out of the picture.
Giants release Blake Martinez. pic.twitter.com/uP8D2BimRh
— NFL (@NFL) September 1, 2022
In addition to releasing Martinez, the Giants also claimed offensive lineman Tyre Phillips off of waivers from the Baltimore Ravens.
Phillips, 25, was a third-round pick of the Ravens in the 2020 NFL draft. He shifted from tackle to guard after entering the league and, ironically, beat out ex-Giant D.J. Fluker for a starting job as a rookie.
Phillips has appeared in 22 NFL games with 13 starts. He is returning from a torn ACL last September.
