Source: New York Giants LB Blake Martinez to return on restructured contract

EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J. -- New York Giants starting middle linebacker Blake Martinez will return for the 2022 season after agreeing Friday to a reworked contract, a source told ESPN.

Martinez's deal is similar to that of wide receiver Sterling Shepard, who also took a significant pay cut to return earlier this week. The moves were necessary as the Giants try to get financially healthy ahead of the start of the new league year Wednesday.

New York began this offseason more than $11 million over the cap. They have since shed close to $25 million off the cap by cutting tight ends Kyle Rudolph and Kaden Smith, running back Devontae Booker and punter Riley Dixon. Shepard and Martinez took pay cuts to…