Report: Giants release Ahmad Bradshaw

The Giants have released veteran running back Ahmad Bradshaw according to a source with knowledge of the transaction as reported by ProFootballTalk.

Bradshaw, 26, was considered to be a possible casualty of the Giants' efforts to clear salary cap room, after foot injuries caused him to miss games in 2011 and 2012. The move reportedly will save the Giants $3.7 million on next year's cap.

ESPNNewYork.com reported the Giants were likely to bring back restricted free-agent running back Andre Brown, added to the return of 2012 first-round pick David Wilson, provided the team more reasons to consider releasing Bradshaw.

Wilson averaged an eye-popping 5.7 yards per carry near the season's end, but also drew the wrath of coach Tom Coughlin for fumbles and missed blocks. Despite his rookie flaws, Giants GM Jerry Reese was quoted saying Wilson had the talent to be the team's lead back.

"I don't think there's any question that he can be that," Reese said, when asked if Wilson can be a lead back (via ESPNNewYork.com). "It's a two- and three-back league nowadays, but do I think he can be a lead dog? I do think that.

"Because he's not a little guy, and he has incredible balance. You see guys have some big hits on him and he stays up -- he's not an easy guy to take down. So he's much stronger than you might think just from how he looks on the field. But he's a sleek, well-chiseled athlete. I do believe he can be the lead back."

Bradshaw's 2012 season was a mixed bag for the Giants. Brandon Jacobs' move to the 49ers left Bradshaw more carries, and he responded with more than 1,000 yards and six touchdowns. Injuries, however, caused him to miss most of three games.

Brown scored a team-high eight rushing TDs before breaking his leg in late November.