The Giants gave Kiwanuka a 2 year “prove it” deal last offseason after a nasty neck injury and he certainly proved it last year. He played a hybrid outside linebacker/defensive end spot and was above average in both spots. ProFootballFocus graded him out as the 5^th best run stuffing outside linebacker (and 7^th best overall) and he managed 5 sacks, 8 hits, and 22 pressures in 328 snaps rushing the passer. He was a big part of the Giants’ 4 defensive end set in nickel, dime, and quarter packages with Justin Tuck, Jason Pierre Paul, and Osi Umenyiora that played a big role in the Giants winning the Super Bowl.

They did right by him giving him a new deal after giving him the prove it deal last offseason and, barring another major injury, he should prove to be well worth the 16.5 million over 3 years (with 10.95 million guaranteed) he was given, which is a good deal when you compare it to what similar players got, like Jarret Johnson (4 years 19 million at age 31 in August) and Kamerion Wimbley (5 years 35 million heading into his age 29 season). Kiwanuka is heading into his age 29 season as well. This deal also clears some cap for the Giants this season, so it was an all around good deal. The only issue is it’ll probably piss Osi Umenyiora off more, but that’s his problem.

Grade: A