EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J. -- Linebacker Jessie Armstead, who has been voted to five straight Pro Bowls, was among five New York Giants released on Thursday to get the team under the $71.1 million salary cap.

Two other starters, strong safety Sam Garnes and offensive tackle Lomas Brown, also were released along with backup quarterback Jason Garrett and reserve cornerback Dave Thomas.

Howard Cross, a starter at tight end for most of his 13 seasons with the team, announced his retirement.

"Releasing players is never easy or pleasant," general manager Ernie Accorsi said. "But you begin at the end of this process. And the end is midnight on Thursday night when you have to be within the limits of the salary cap. There's no option. Sometimes you have to release players you wouldn't normally release."

The cuts were not unexpected. Armstead, Garnes and Thomas all were on the expansion list for the Houston Texans but were not chosen, and Brown is 38. The team is likely to try to re-sign Garnes and Garrett at reduced salaries.

"I parted with the organization of good terms," said Armstead, an eight-round draft choice in 1993 who was one of the key players in what has been one of the NFL's better defenses during the past five seasons. "I'm thankful the Giants gave me an opportunity for nine years."

Cross, who had played with the Giants since 1989, was the last player left from the 1991 Super Bowl champions. Brown, a former Pro Bowler whose best years were with Detroit, was a leader who helped the team reach the 2001 Super Bowl.