The New York Giants made sweeping changes this offseason, leading to significant roster turnover. After wrapping up mandatory minicamp, the team now has about two months to finalize its 2025 roster.
Following a dismal 3–14 campaign in 2024, a shake-up was inevitable. The Giants rebuilt much of their roster, beginning at quarterback. General manager Joe Schoen benched Daniel Jones midseason, leading to a tank job that secured a path to his replacement. New York addressed the quarterback situation by signing veteran Russell Wilson and trading up in the 2025 NFL Draft to select Jaxson Dart.
The Giants didn’t stop there. They also signed key free agents including Jameis Winston, Jevon Holland, Paulson Adebo, Chauncey Golston, and Roy Robertson-Harris. Then came a strong draft haul with names like Abdul Carter, Darius Alexander, Marcus Mbow, and Cam Skattebo. With this mix of proven veterans and promising rookies, New York arguably had one of the best offseasons in the NFL.
But an upgraded roster also means tough decisions. Several returning players are now on the chopping block, and the Giants will need to trim the fat as they push for a playoff berth in 2025.
RB Eric Gray
Eric Gray’s days in New York appear numbered following the fourth-round selection of Cam Skattebo in the 2025 Draft. Gray, a 2023 fifth-round pick, has only logged 31 carries for 79 rushing yards in two seasons.
With Skattebo entering the fold, Gray has dropped to fourth on the depth chart behind Tyrone Tracy Jr., Devin Singletary, and Skattebo himself — who is expected to handle short-yardage duties. Tracy, who began his career as a wide receiver, also has strong receiving skills, which further diminishes Gray’s role as a pass-catching back.
Skattebo quickly made waves at minicamp, showing more upside in weeks than Gray has in two years. Gray was briefly kept around as a returner, but after the re-signing of Ihmir Smith-Marsette, that role has likely vanished as well.
OG Evan Neal
Of all the Giants’ recent draft busts, Evan Neal may be the most disappointing. Once hyped as a future cornerstone of the offensive line, Neal has consistently underperformed since being drafted in the first round.
After three rough seasons at tackle, New York moved Neal inside to guard in hopes of salvaging his career. But all signs suggest that this may be a last-ditch effort. The Giants already had Jon Runyan and Aaron Stinnie, then added Greg Van Roten and drafted Marcus Mbow, creating serious competition at guard.
Neal’s PFF grade rose slightly in 2024 to 61.2, but that doesn’t erase his abysmal 39.8 and 44.1 grades from the prior two seasons. Despite coming into the league praised for his footwork and athleticism, those strengths have not translated to the NFL, and his lack of power remains a major issue — especially now at guard.
Unless Neal shows something dramatic in training camp, his best-case scenario may be barely clinging to a roster spot. More likely, he’s on the outside looking in.
Evan Neal
DE Rakeem Nunez-Roches
The Giants focused heavily on upgrading their defensive front this offseason, bringing in players like Abdul Carter, Darius Alexander, Chauncey Golston, Roy Robertson-Harris, and Jeremiah Ledbetter. That added depth puts returning veteran Rakeem Nunez-Roches in jeopardy.
In 2024, Nunez-Roches logged 57% of defensive snaps out of necessity due to injuries and finished with 52 tackles and two sacks — both career highs. But with a healthier, more talented rotation now in place, his playing time is likely to shrink dramatically.
Head coach Brian Daboll has mentioned plans to rotate Carter and Thibodeaux inside at times, which could push even more bodies into Nunez-Roches’ former role. Add in younger depth pieces like Elijah Chatman, D.J. Davidson, and Jordan Riley, and it’s clear the Giants may no longer have a need for the veteran.
The Giants are in a new era, and as the roster gets younger and more competitive, veteran holdovers like Gray, Neal, and Nunez-Roches may not make the final cut. With expectations rising and a playoff push in sight, tough decisions lie ahead.
Leave a Reply