NFL: New York Giants at Jacksonville Jaguars

Geoff Schwartz's contract was reworked after a difficult first season with the Giants. (Phil Sears | USA TODAY Sports)

After a season ruined by injury, the Giants restructured the contract of offensive lineman Geoff Schwartz. The way the new deal was structured, last year's marquee free-agent offseason signing is going to have to earn his money in 2015.

Schwartz had his base salary cut from $3.675 million to $1.675 million. He'll get a chance to earn $1.5 million back in per game roster bonuses, with another $500K available through a 50-percent playing time incentive.

Schwartz also had $500K of his 2016 salary guaranteed.

The net result is a salary cap charge of $2.845 million this year. He was set to count $4.975 million. The $2.13 million savings puts the Giants $9,157,931 under the cap, according to NFLPA record. That's ample money (plus more) to sign any remaining free agents. It could set the stage for a long-term deal for defensive end Jason Pierre-Paul, Prince Amukamara or Eli Manning.

Schwartz's first season with the Giants was frustrating. He injured his toe in a preseason game against the Jets and, when he finally returned late in the season, hurt his ankle. He had surgery that had him on crutches as recently as the Super Bowl. His first season amounted to less than two games for close to $5 million.

NFL Free Agency:

Giants free agent signings and contract details

"I was signed to play, that's what frustrates me more than anything else," Schwartz said during the season.

It bothered the veteran lineman that the Giants made an investment in him that he was unable to justify. Now, he'll have an opportunity to prove he's worthwhile, and earn his money with his performance. He'll earn back some of the money taken out of his base salary every time he does play in a game in 2015.

The Giants signed Schwartz to a four-year, $16.8 million deal last offseason.

Jordan Raanan may be reached at jraanan@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter @JordanRaanan. Find NJ.com Giants on Facebook.