New York Giants: 3 surprise cuts that could happen during training camp

The New York Giants have conducted COVID-19 testing with all their players reporting to training camp. They are just awaiting the results. With veterans, quarterbacks, and rookies all reporting, football season is just around the bend. However, there have been a number of players that have decided to opt-out of the 2020 regular season, including several New England Patriots.

Whether this is a Bill Belichick move or simply health-related, the NFL is changing daily with the loss of athletes. However, it could present opportunities for former XFL players, and possibly CFL athletes, let alone UDFAs. The loss of preseason hurts the chances of undrafted free agents leaving their mark and making the team, so players opting out ultimately gives them an opportunity to fight for a roster spot.

Nonetheless, let’s take a look at three players the New York Giants could cut during training camp:

1.) Sam Beal

When the New York Giants selected Sam Beal with a supplemental draft pick in 2018, they expected a quality corner to join the ranks. Beal hasn’t been able to remain healthy since his inception in the NFL, playing in just six games last season, compiling 26 combine tackles and one pass defended.

He has struggled to earn playing time, but 2020 could be his big opportunity to change the narrative. If he is unable to perform during training camp and suffers another injury, the Giants could cut ties and move on.

While Beal does represent solid, tangible potential, he hasn’t been able to show off his abilities just yet. His 76.2% completion rate against and one touchdown allowed last season does not do him any favors. At 23 years old, he has time to continue fighting for an opportunity, but the Giants simply can’t house oft-injured players anymore.

2.) Nate Solder

The Nate Solder situation is a bit problematic. With his child going through cancer treatments, opting out of the 2020 season seems like a viable excuse. However, Solder would be giving up $9.9 million in base salary if he elected to miss the year. The Giants will likely cut him in 2021 with a $6.5 million dead cap hit. Sticking with the team and earning his maximum pay is the best move for him, though. I don’t believe he will opt-out, but the Giants could still elect to cut him if he under-performs during training camp.

After allowing 11 sacks and five penalties in 2019, Solder is attempting to rebound from a poor campaign. The Giants hold him in high regard, but at the end of the day, football is a business, and making monetary decisions is a part of the game. While he would count $16 million in dead cap, the Giants are better off retaining him, but if he opts-out of the season, letting him go would make the most sense. This is a very situational decision.

3.) Wayne Gallman

Gallman disappeared off the face of the earth in 2019, logging just 15% of the offensive snaps last year. Even his playing time on special teams decreased. He recorded 110 yards and two touchdowns, most of which came after Saquon Barkley’s injury.

With the Giants signing Dion Lewis to take over back-up running back duties, Gallman is undoubtedly at risk of losing his job with Big Blue. While he was a productive player at Clemson before entering the NFL in 2017, the Giants are still looking to eradicate any Jerry Reese picks. I believe he holds some sort of value in the running game, as he has posted decent production at times. Nonetheless, the Giants don’t necessarily need him and could easily supplement the running back position with a free agent, similar to what they did with Joe Allen in 2019.