Kiwanuka has been released by the Giants, NFL.com's Kimberly Jones reports. The 32nd overall pick in the 2006 NFL Draft, Kiwanuka has 38.5 sacks over nine NFL seasons, all spent with Big Blue. He only had 2.5 sacks in 12 games in 2014, and while his knee should be healthy before training camp, he may have trouble landing a starting job.

The Giants placed Kiwanuka (knee) on injured reserve Tuesday, Field Yates of ESPN.com reports. Kiwanuka will finish his season with 28 tackles (19 solo), 2.5 sacks, and two forced fumbles in 11 games. He has spent nine years with the Giants but could be a cap casualty during the offseason.

Kiwanuka (knee) has been downgraded to out for Sunday's game against the Jaguars, Art Stapleton of the Bergen Record reports. Kiwanuka was only able to log two limited practices during the week due to knee issue, which simply wasn't enough to convince the coaching and training staffs of his health. Robert Ayers figures to step in to the starting role in his absence opposite Jason Pierre-Paul.

Giants DE Mathias Kiwanuka agreed to a $2.175 million pay cut. Kiwanuka was mentioned as a possible cap casualty following the season. Instead, he's reducing his 2014 base salary from $4.375 million to $1.5 million and receives a $700,000 bonus in return. Kiwi can earn another $125,000 back via incentives. The move created $2.05 million in cap space for the Giants.

ESPN Giants blogger Dan Graziano believes DE Mathias Kiwanuka could be a cap casualty in the offseason. Kiwi is in the second year of a four-year, $21.75 million deal. He's scheduled to earn a $4.375 million salary and count over $7 million against the 2014 cap. The Giants would save just $1.8 million in 2014 by cutting him. Kiwanuka has appeared in all 12 games this season, making six starts and recording 24 tackles and four sacks. The G-Men may want to re-sign LE Justin Tuck.

Mathias Kiwakuna will practice as the Giants' starting right end until Jason Pierre-Paul (back surgery) returns. And JPP may not be back anytime soon; his Week 1 readiness is in question. After playing linebacker the past two seasons, Kiwi is loving his position re-switch. "To be able to slap your hand in the ground and not have to worry about going from one position to the other, it makes it more comfortable when you're out there," Kiwanuka said. "... It was a move I was looking forward to."

Justin Tuck said teammate Mathias Kiwanuka's heart is "set" on playing defensive end this season.

ESPN New York expects the Giants to move Mathias Kiwanuka back to defensive end full-time in 2013. Kiwanuka struggled at linebacker last season, and may be able to rejuvenate his career at his natural position. With Osi Umenyiora ticketed for Atlanta, Kiwanuka could push LE Justin Tuck across from RE Jason Pierre-Paul. The Giants figure to upgrade their linebackers in the draft, but for now have Keith Rivers on the strong side, Jacquian Williams at weak side, and Mark Herzlich in the middle.

Giants SLB Mathias Kiwanuka has agreed to convert $1.5 million of his 2013 base salary into a signing bonus, freeing up cap space. The $1.5 million was already a guaranteed portion of Kiwanuka's $2.95 million salary. So he's not losing any money. The simple restructure will give the G-Men a better chance to re-sign key free agents Martellus Bennett and Will Beatty. Kiwanuka, 30, managed just 37 tackles and three sacks as a 2012 role player.

Giants SLB Mathias Kiwanuka (groin) expects to be fine for Opening Day against the Cowboys. "I'll be ready," Kiwanuka said after leaving Friday's preseason game against the Bears. The Giants and Cowboys are squaring off four days before anyone else in Week 1, but Kiwi's injury doesn't sound like a threat to his Wednesday Night Football status.