With the New York Giants hosting the Philadephia Eagles in the final game of the regular season, the conclusion of the year is near and will accompany changes to the coaching staff and roster. Week 17 should give the Giants a good idea of who’s expendable and who should be retained if the rest of the regular season hasn’t been indicative of specific players’ performances already.
Several former free agent signings from 2019 have had solid campaigns, likely earning secondary contracts or the ever-glowing idea of retention. Outside linebacker Markus Golden is one of those lucky players who has racked up 10 sacks and proved their worth to upper management. I anticipate that Golden will receive a second offer from the Giants, as pairing him with another premium edge rusher would give the defense the fire-power they need to climb the ranks in 2020.
However, others have not lived up to expectations since GM Dave Gettleman’s inception in New York.
Here are three cut candidate for the New York Giants:
1.) Alec Ogletree
Cutting Ogletree should be a priority immediately after the conclusion of the season. His lack of production over the past two seasons and missed tackles has been apparent, and with Ryan Connelly taking his spot in just one offseason as a rookie should provide enough evidence to justify his release.
Ogletree hoped that changing his number from 52 to 47 would give him the hopeful boost he needed to save himself from the inevitable, but his last-ditch attempt fell short. He will likely hit the market and end up as a reserve elsewhere. Cutting him will count $3.5 million in dead cap, but retaining him would force the Giants to pay out $11.75 million in salary. This is an easy decision for Gettleman.
2.) Nate Solder
Since the Giants have fallen out of Chase Young territory, they may elect to solidify the offensive line with Georgia tackle, Andrew Thomas.
Solder has had a disastrous year in blue, and his child having cancer hasn’t helped his psyche. It’s fair to give Solder the benefit of the doubt based on the critical nature of his situation, but the Giants have to consider their franchise quarterback’s protection scheme.
If Gettleman cuts Solder, he will count $13 million against the cap but would allow the injection of talent into the left tackle position. By keeping him, they would pay out $19.5 million in cap. They would only save $6.5 million by cutting him, which might be a deterrent. Theoretically, the Giants could move Solder over to the right tackle spot and draft Thomas to fill the void.
3.) Leonard Williams
Williams is headed into free agency in 2020, but the Giants will have the first opportunity to re-sign him. This wouldn’t be considered a “cut,” but rather a departure. The former Jet has been essential to the Giants’ run-stopping game, but his lack of a pass rush has been apparent.
Gettleman will have to overpay for Williams’ services moving forward. If they re-sign him, the Giants will forfeit a third-round pick rather than a fourth-rounder, as constituted in the trade. Consider this as you will.