Given their lack of funds, the New York Giants will have to deploy an intelligent strategy to solve their offensive line this off-season. Currently sitting with negative cap space, new general manager Joe Schoen has a tough challenge ahead of him, having already started piecing together low-cost free agency signings to bolster the trenches.
This week, the Giants signed former Atlanta Falcons tackle Matt Gono, who missed all of the 2021 season with injury but has a bit of potential. Gono can compete for starting snaps but will most likely serve a backup role.
The cost-efficient contracts won’t end there, especially after the Buffalo Bills released guard Jon Feliciano on Wednesday. The Bills approached Feliciano regarding a pay cut, but he declined and decided to hit the open market for a new opportunity. He was set to earn $3.1 million for the 2022 season, and with the potential for more guaranteed money in free agency, Feliciano will be a prime target for teams like the Giants, who don’t have a ton to spend.
Feliciano’s contract had no guaranteed money, so the Bills could’ve released him just days before the regular season started at no expense. Clearly, the veteran interior lineman wanted a bit more job security, so it makes logical sense that former Buffalo assistant general manager Joe Schoen looks at him as a potential solution.
This past season, Feliciano made nine appearances, posting solid run-blocking numbers but inconsistent pass-blocking grades. Feliciano hasn’t allowed a sack in over two years, accruing more than 1000 snaps during that time frame.
There’s a lot to like about Feliciano as a reserve, if not a competitor for a starting gig, having played at right guard, center, and left guard. His best numbers have come on the right side, but his versatility has even more value.
Feliciano is also an aggressive player, showcased by the clip below where he takes out a number of Jets defenders chasing after Josh Allen.
OL: ALWAYS look for work when uncovered.
Bills RG Jon Feliciano dumping two because he stayed alert & active.
Let the 2nd defender know about it too! ? pic.twitter.com/ZC6anKqv5v
— Brandon Thorn (@BrandonThornNFL) September 14, 2019
Feliciano‘s pass-blocking grades were far better during the earlier portions of his career with the Las Vegas Raiders, dropping off a bit with Buffalo but still proving to be adequate during the 2019 season one he was a bonafide starter. At 30 years old, Feliciano still has a bit of gas left in the tank, and the Giants should pounce on the opportunity.