What was all but a done deal for nearly a week became official yesterday when the Giants released Cedric Jones, ending a disappointing five-year stay for the soft-spoken, defensive end who never lived up to his lofty draft status.

Jones was let go to make salary cap room for Kenny Holmes, who will replace Jones as the starting right defensive end. Jones, the fifth overall pick in 1996 and a starter the past two years, finished his Giants career with a mere 15 sacks. His release saves the Giants $1.5 million on the salary cap.

“The hardest part of my job is to release a guy that has worked very hard,” Jim Fassel said. “When we make decisions we think can improve our team, obviously it affects players that have been here. I liked having Cedric on our team.”

The Giants also released CB Andre Weathers, who struggled through two injury-filled seasons, and decided not to tender a contract offer to FB Craig Walendy.

Holmes had a career-high eight sacks last season for the Titans.