Quarterback Kerry Collins was released by the New York Giants on Wednesday, less than a week after the team traded for rookie Eli Manning.

Collins, who led the Giants to the 2001 Super Bowl, guaranteed the move by refusing to renegotiate his contact. He was to earn $7 million this season and count $8.95 million against the salary cap.

The release gives Collins time to find a new team for next season.

The Giants have said they will sign a veteran quarterback who might start the season to pave the way for Manning. The Mississippi quarterback was taken by the San Diego Chargers with the first overall pick in the draft and shipped to New York.

``Kerry Collins played his heart out for the Giants and took us to the Super Bowl,'' general manager Ernie Accorsi said.

``Unfortunately, the economics of the system we work in today determine these most difficult decisions,'' Accorsi added.

Collins revived a career beset by troubles on and off the field after signing with the Giants in 1999. He became the starter halfway through that season, then led New York to its third Super Bowl the following season.

The Giants also made the playoffs in 2002.

Collins is second on the team's career list with 1,447 completions, trailing only Phil Simms. He is third in pass attempts (2,473) and passing yards (16,875), behind only Simms and Charlie Conerly in both categories. Collins' 81 TD passes rank fifth on the Giants' career list.