National Football League

Giants part ways with defensive end Mathias Kiwanuka

Published Feb. 24, 2015 3:49 p.m. ET

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The Giants have released defensive end Mathias Kiwanuka, who was due $4.825,000 in total compensation this year.

FOX Sports 1 NFL insider Mike Garafolo confirmed the release.

“The thing that has always impressed me about Kiwi is how serious he is about the game,” head coach Tom Coughlin said in a team statement. “He was always prepared and always in outstanding condition and played very hard. And he had some nasty in him.

“I always felt like you could count on certain things from him: eight-nine sacks, harass the quarterback, and you could move him around, inside, outside. He is dependable, reliable and there is no question about his professionalism."

Kiwanuka, who was selected 32nd overall by the Giants in the 2006 NFL Draft and recorded 38.5 sacks, won two Super Bowls in nine seasons with team.

“Mathias has a warrior mentality,” Giants general manager Jerry Reese said in the statement. “He has been the ultimate team player for this franchise, and was a true pro from day one.”