Kiwanuka Re-Signs With Giants

The Giants have agreed to terms with defensive end Mathias Kiwanuka, who missed all but three games last season with a neck injury.

Justin Tuck, Kiwanuka’s fellow defensive end, celebrated the signing with a post on Twitter that read, “Kiwi is returning to the Big Blue, yes sir.” Terms of the deal were not disclosed, but it is expected to be a short-term contract with performance incentives.

Kiwanuka, 28, was expected to return. He recorded 23.5 sacks in five seasons as an end and outside linebacker for the Giants, but concerns about the herniated disc injury he suffered in September 2010 limited his value on the free agent market. Kiwanuka was cleared by doctors to resume football activities in February.

Kiwanuka’s re-signing came in the wake of several departures from the Giants defensive line this week. Defensive tackle Barry Cofield agreed to terms on a six-year contract with the Redskins on Tuesday. Veteran backup Rocky Bernard was informed of his release on Wednesday. Defensive end Osi Umenyiora, who demanded either a new contract or a trade during the lockout, has not attended pre-camp activities. With Tuck, Kiwanuka, and second-year defense end Jason Pierre-Paul under contract, the Giants are not expected to accommodate Umenyiora’s contract demands.