Giants decline contract option on RB Stewart

The New York Giants have declined a 2019 option for running back Jonathan Stewart, according to multiple reports, avoiding the final year of a contract that would have paid the veteran $2.35 million in base salary. Stewart, 31, was a disappointment in his first year with the Giants in 2018, gaining just 17 yards on six carries over three games before being lost for the season with a foot injury. He reportedly signed a two-year, $6.575 million contract with the team last offseason.

Stewart was signed before the team selected running back Saquon Barley in the first round of the 2018 NFL Draft. Barkley went on to rush for 1,307 yards and 11 touchdowns as a rookie. He also caught 91 passes for 721 yards and four touchdowns. Stewart, the Carolina Panthers' all-time leading rusher, had 7,318 yards and 51 touchdowns on the ground over the previous 10 seasons with his former team. The Panthers selected Stewart in the first round of the 2008 draft out of Oregon.

The Giants had through Wednesday to decide on Stewart's option. --Field Level Media

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