7 players the New York Giants could cut this offseason to create more cap space

If the New York Giants really want to be active in the free-agent market this off-season, they’re going to have to cut bait with some of their players. Of course, the big names remain Nate Solder and Golden Tate, as cutting both post June 1 would open up about $18.5 million to spend. However, by that time, it is likely that a majority of the big names on the market will already have been signed. With that being said, there are a few other players the Giants can look to cut, allowing them to maneuver a bit earlier in March after the Super Bowl concludes.

The Giants are currently about $3.4 million above the cap, per Over The Cap.

Seven players the New York Giants could cut this offseason:

1.) Nate Solder

The biggest cap savings would come from Nate Solder, who, if cut post-June 1, will give the Giants $10.5 million to work with. There should be an easy decision for management, as Solder simply doesn’t have a spot on the team anymore as the Giants drafted Andrew Thomas with the fourth overall pick in the 2020 NFL draft, and Solder hasn’t played at right tackle since his rookie season. It is best to save the money and move forward.

2.) Golden Tate

Tate is another player that would save the team about $8.5 million if he is cut post-June 1. Tate hasn’t really left a mark on the Giants since being signed two years ago after Gettleman traded Odell Beckham Jr. Given how much he is expected to earn next season, $10.8 million, cutting bait would be the most beneficial move.

3.) Levine Toilolo

There are a few players who have no dead cap implications in 2021, and one of them is tight end Levine Toilolo. He’s expected to earn about $3 million next season, and cutting him would save that money and allow the Giants to reallocate. This is another easy decision, as his signing was confusing, to begin with.

4.) Cody Core

Special-teams gunner and reserve wide receiver Cody Core could also be a cut candidate. He tore his Achilles during training camp this past year, and while he is a valuable special-teams player, he’s expected to earn $2 million next season. The Giants can easily replace him and find a rookie or second-year player to fill his role.

5.) David Mayo

The Giants sign David Mayo to a three-year extension last year, and he’s projected to earn $2.3 million next season. With zero dead cap, cutting him would also be a positive step forward. With the emergence of Tae Crowder, the Giants’ seventh-round pick from last year, Mayo seems to be more of a liability than an asset.

6.) Isaac Yiadom

The Giants had a revolving door at CB2 this past season, as Isaac Yiadom was forced to play a majority of snaps. While he did have some solid performances, he was mostly a liability, and is expected to earn $2.18 million next season. Clearing that money will give him a bit more flexibility this off-season, and drafting a player in the mid-rounds would likely replicate his production.

7.) Kevin Zeitler

The final player on the list is Kevin Zeitler, who, if cut, would save the New York Giants $12 million. That is a significant amount of money they can roll over to a wide receiver or Leonard Williams, but Zeitler is the glue on the offensive line and is one of the only consistent veterans. I am against the idea of cutting Zeitler, especially if they’re going to let Solder walk. The Giants don’t have too much money tied up in the OL, so keeping him wouldn’t be a catastrophic move.