National Football League

Giants release RB Jacobs after 7 years

Published Mar. 13, 2012 6:05 a.m. ET

foxsports

Brandon Jacobs was released Friday by the New York Giants after he could not reach agreement on a restructured deal.

The running back spent seven seasons with New York, winning two Super Bowls.

Jacobs, 29, ran for 571 yards and seven touchdowns last season as a backup to Ahmad Bradshaw. He is the fourth-leading rusher in franchise history with 4,849 yards, but saw his role diminish with the emergence of Bradshaw.

''Brandon helped us win two world championships,'' Giants coach Tom Coughlin said. ''He always did what was in the best interest of team. No matter what you asked him to do, he performed and played in whatever role we asked him to perform. He really was a team player.

''I have always felt like Brandon could be counted on. He's a guy that is very, very good in meetings for me. He pays attention. He picks up on the message. He loves the excitement of the game. He loves everything about it: the pregame routine, the talking to his teammates, trying to motivate his teammates. He loves every part of it.''

A fourth-round draft pick in 2005, Jacobs rushed for 56 touchdowns. He had 1,000-yard seasons in 2007 and 2008, but his carries and yardage dipped the past two seasons. He gained 823 yards in 2010, and had just 152 carries and a 3.8-yard average last season.

''We tried, couldn't reach an agreement,'' Jacobs said. ''It's been great, though. I can't say anything negative about anybody in the organization.''

Bradshaw, who has battled foot injuries in recent years, will be backed up next season by D.J. Ware and Da'Rel Scott, who saw little action this past season as a rookie. Former draft pick Andre Brown spent last season on the practice squad and could figure into the mix.

Jacobs expressed hopes after the 21-17 Super Bowl win over New England that he would be able to work out a deal and stay with the Giants. But with other needs, and a salary cap to manage, New York had other ideas.

''It's been a great ride,'' Jacobs said.

Jacobs was drafted out of Southern Illinois. He began his college career at Coffeyville Community College and transferred to Auburn before finally settling in with the Salukis.