Jim O’Connor — USA Today Sports
The New York Giants, as expected, released LB Michael Boley at the conclusion of the season to shed salary in order to re-sign some of the younger core players to long-term deals. It wasn’t immediately known what interest teams had in him as he entered the free-agency period. It appears we have a clear indication now.
There hasn’t been a whisper or mention of Boley’s name throughout the entire offseason, leaving me to believe that this could be the finale of Boley’s career in the NFL. Boley was strong for the Giants after they acquired him via free agency from the Atlanta Falcons in 2009.
A versatile linebacker, the Giants used Boley to cover opposing tight ends in pass coverage in addition to stopping the run. This past season, Boley started the season on a roll as he caught an interception in each of the first three games of the season. However, over the course of the season, injuries slowed him a bit and it appeared the Giants were slowly phasing him out of the defensive rotation.
Boley can still be a productive member of any defense, as it didn’t appear he completely lost his ability to be effective. However, it doesn’t help that Boley is going through off the field problems. Shortly after being released, Boley was arrested for child abuse, allegations that had been going on with him for a couple of years.
Who knows if a team will give Boley the chance to leave on his own terms instead of going out the way he currently is. It wasn’t easy for RB Ahmad Bradshaw either before he signed a deal with the Indianapolis Colts. Boley may be signed in the middle of the season if injuries play a part in developments. Boley is probably hoping he gets another chance.
