As the New York Giants continue training camp, there’s some speculation on which players the team might bring in as late additions to bolster their ranks. They’ve already made a couple of signings like this so far, particularly on the offensive line. But as free agency speculation heats up around the league in general, what about the former Giants that are looking to make it onto a roster or stay on one?
Their situations vary – and in the case of former Giants kicker Aldrick Rosas and former Giants running back Devonta Freeman, their situations are polar opposites. Rosas was the starter in New York for three seasons before ending up with the Jacksonville Jaguars, but his bad run since getting into legal trouble in the 2020 offseason has continued.
Rosas only appeared in 6 games for the Jaguars last season compared to playing in every game for the Giants the season before that.
And, perhaps more importantly for his career, he was on and off the practice squad. Rosas did sign with the Jaguars again in March, which might have given him a bit of a sense of security, but any confidence in making it to the regular season with Jacksonville was ultimately misplaced.
The Jacksonville Jaguars have signed second-year WR Tevin Jones, the club announced today. Additionally, the Jaguars have released LB Leon Jacobs and K Aldrick Rosas.
— JaguarsPR (@JaguarsPR) July 30, 2021
The Jags moved on from the kicker on Friday, leaving him with a limited amount of time to find a new landing spot – if there even is one.
It’s safe to say things are going differently for former Giants running back Devonta Freeman. Unlike Rosas, Freeman was only with the team for one season and didn’t get much time on the field.
He only had 5 games played and during that span, 172 rushing yards for an average of 3.2 yards per attempt. He was waived in January, but didn’t earn a full contract with the Bills after finishing out the season on their practice squad.
Freeman might have a new home this year as he’s been picked up by the New Orleans Saints and will have a chance at making the roster.
And this was quick: Former Falcons’ standout Devonta Freeman and the Saints now have reached agreement on a one-year deal, per his agent @DrewJRosenhaus. Freeman reunited with his former college teammate, Jameis Winston. https://t.co/jhg4BXjLLM
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) July 31, 2021
It notably puts him on the same roster once again as former college QB Jameis Winston, which is potentially a connection to look out for if Winston ends up taking the starting job in the post-Brees era.
It remains to be seen whether or not Rosas and Freeman will be on a roster when the regular season starts. However, few around the Giants organization will likely feel bad about moving on from either player.
The Giants for the most part have upgraded at both positions, and it still looks like Rosas never really recovered on the field from the offseason legal trouble that got him cut from the Giants in the first place.