The New York Giants have released quarterback Josh Freeman just six weeks after signing him.
Freeman was brought in to act as an insurance policy for starting quarterback Eli Manning, who underwent ankle surgery last month and was expected to miss the majority of the off-season programme.
However, Manning has returned to practice ahead of schedule and is already taking full part in the organised team activities, making Freeman surplus to requirements.
The 26-year-old was a first-round pick for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in 2009 but left the team last season following a dispute with then-head coach Greg Schiano.
He joined the Minnesota Vikings in 2013 but only played in one game for the team as he found himself behind Matt Cassel and Christian Ponder in the pecking order.
The Giants used the roster spot left vacant by Freeman for offensive lineman Rogers Gaines, who they acquired off waivers from the Chicago Bears.
Barney Corkhill
