When Joe Schoen took control of the New York Giants, he inherited a mess of a roster and an even messier salary situation. The Giants' books were stuffed by Dave Gettleman's regime and now have to be solved by Schoen. He already got started cutting Kyle Rudolph and Devontae Booker.

Shoen isn't looking to just shed players from the roster, though. The New York Post's Ryan Dunleavy reported that the Giants are asking Sterling Shepard to take a steep pay cut. Dunleavy detailed how big his new salary could be and explained that

It is unclear exactly how much Shepard, 29, was asked to reduce his salary from $8.475 million, but it is expected to be close to the league minimum for a player with six years of service time ($1.035 million). Shepard has two years remaining on his deal, but players who accept pay cuts often want to reach free agency sooner as a trade-off, on the hope of recouping lost wages.

Shepard tore his Achilles in December, adding to the list of injuries he has suffered over the years. New York, knowing he may not get to play at all next season, is hoping to use him to save money. However, Shepard is considering taking the pay cut, which could allow him to head into free agency

Last season, Shepard played in just seven games and recorded 36 receptions, 366 yards and one touchdown. Although his injury concerns and sizable contract made him an understandable candidate to receive a pay-cut request, it's unfortunate that the Giants had to ask one of their better players to do so.