Giant reshuffling
WR Calloway cut, LB Widmer signed for $11.2 million
Posted: Wednesday February 17, 1999 06:54 PM
| |
Calloway had 62 receptions for 812 yards and six touchdowns this past season. David Seelig/Allsport |
EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J. (AP) -- Chris Calloway, who led the
New York Giants in
receptions the last four seasons, had his contract terminated in a salary
cap move by the team after it signed linebacker Corey Widmer to an $11.2
million deal on Wednesday.
The release of Calloway will give the Giants an opportunity to see what
young receivers Amani
Toomer, Joe
Jurevicius and Brian
Alford can do when playing opposite Ike Hilliard.
"In my two years here, this was the toughest move I've had to make,"
Giants coach Jim Fassel said. "We've improved the quality and the depth at
the receiving position. That, along with the salary cap, forced us to go in
this direction. Chris is a true professional, and I wish him nothing but
the best."
Calloway, 30, was to earn a little more than $1 million this season,
including a $500,000 roster bonus due on March 1.
A starter since 1993, the sure-handed Calloway had 62 receptions for 812
yards and six touchdowns this past season, all team highs. The nine-year
veteran caught a pass in 88 of 89 games since becoming a starter and ended
his career with catches in a team-record 47 straight games.
That broke the old record of 46 set by Dave Meggett between 1989-93.
"I have had a good career with the Giants," said Calloway, whose work
ethic was among the best on the team. "I appreciate my time here and the
opportunity the organization gave me to play. I hope to continue to play
somewhere this season."
Calloway's 62 catches this season were the sixth-highest, single-season
total by a Giant and the most on the team since Lionel Manuel had 65 in
1988.
After spending his first two seasons in Pittsburgh, Calloway was signed
by the Giants as a free agent in 1992. His 334 career receptions are the
third highest in team history behind Joe Morrison (395) and Frank Gifford
(367).
The release of Calloway overshadowed Widmer's big day.
He moved into the starting lineup at middle linebacker in 1996 and last
season he finished with 85 total tackles, a fumble recovery and five passes
defended.
"It was very important to me to stay here," said Widmer, a seventh round
draft choice from Montana State in 1992. "It meant a lot that I can stay
here and continue my relationship with this organization and its fans."
Copyright 2003 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
| 
