Giants Release Defensive Captain Pierce

Today the Giants released the captain of their defense for the last five seasons, Antonio Pierce.

"I was shocked at first, but I'm not the one up there up in the office, and they said they felt they needed to go in another direction," Pierce told ESPN's Rachel Nichols on Thursday. "They said it wasn't my health, or the way I played, but just that -- that they were going in another direction. We left everything smooth and peaceful and I'm happy about that. I felt like I said everything I needed to say to them. I've loved my time in New York and won't have anything but good feelings about being with this team."

Pierce said the reason he was in the New York area was to have a doctor look at the herniated disk in his neck that caused him to miss the final seven games of last season. He said the MRI was "very positive."

"I can't say I'm 100 percent yet, but with the season still six months away, I'm right where I need to be and I'm going to be fine," he said.

Pierce had one season left on the contract he signed as a free agent in 2005.

Pierce has no wish list going forward from here, but said he would like "to stay in the NFC East, since I know the division so well. But I just want to go somewhere I can help a good team."

For most of his time, Pierce was an outstanding football player for the Giants. He led the team in tackles three times, was a three-year captain, a Pro Bowler in 2006 and one of the inspirational leaders of the squad that did not have a losing season in his five years.

Pierce finished his final season with the Giants with 51 tackles (31 solo), three tackles for losses, a sack, two passes defensed, a forced fumble and a fumble recovery. His five-year totals with the Giants were 537 tackles (322 solo), seven sacks, six forced fumbles, seven fumble recoveries and four interceptions. Pierce also had 44 postseason tackles (28 solo).

An undrafted free agent, Pierce played his first four seasons with the Washington Redskins.

This move probably will turn out well for the Giants. Pierce was hurt for the majority of his final season, and his age may have also played a role in his release. Pierce is 31 years old and the physical abuse that linebackers normally take on a weekly basis can lead to some real wear and tear on the body. Several mock drafts have the Giants drafting a linebacker in the first round. Anyone with any favorites?