To say Evan Neal’s tenure with the New York Giants hasn’t gone as expected would be an understatement. However, it seems the team isn’t ready to give up on him just yet, making a significant decision on Wednesday to potentially revive his career.
When Neal entered the NFL, he was regarded as a can’t-miss prospect, one of the top offensive linemen in recent memory. But things have not gone according to plan. Last season, he lost his starting right tackle spot to Jermaine Eluemunor.
Now, Neal’s future with the Giants hinges on whether he can earn the starting right guard position. While his path isn’t clear, history shows it’s not impossible. Take Mekhi Becton, a former first-round pick, who rejuvenated his career after transitioning from left tackle to guard for the Philadelphia Eagles. Becton played a key role in their Super Bowl win.
Neal now has a similar opportunity to reinvent himself. He won’t be returning to his starting right tackle spot in 2025 but will instead compete for the starting right guard position, a move first reported by Paul Schwartz of the New York Post.
Although Neal is unfamiliar with the guard position at the NFL level, it’s not entirely new to him. He played left guard during his freshman year at Alabama before moving to right tackle and eventually left tackle.
This could be Neal’s final shot to prove himself with the Giants, who decided not to pick up his fifth-year option, meaning he will be a free agent after the 2025 season. Whether he secures the starting guard job remains to be seen, but he has a clear example to follow in Becton’s successful transition, which could guide him as he takes on this new role.
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