The New York Giants have wrapped up their preseason after their loss to the New England Patriots on Sunday. Now, with the preseason in the rear-view, NFL teams are focused on finalizing their rosters. Teams need to trim their rosters down to 53-men by 4 pm tomorrow. As the New York Giants make their final cuts, could pass-rusher Ifeadi Odenigbo be one of the team’s surprise cuts?
Could Ifeadi Odenigbo be cut?
The Giants signed Ifeadi Odenigbo this offseason to a one-year $2.5 million contract. His contract, though, only came with a $1 million dead cap hit. So if the Giants decide to cut or trade Odenigbo tomorrow, they can free $1.5 million in salary-cap space.
The signing of Ifeadi Odenigbo was once thought to be a signing of great value. In 32 career games (15 starts), Ifeadi has registered 10.5 sacks, 10 tackles for loss, 28 quarterback hits, one safety, one forced fumble, two fumble recoveries, and one defensive touchdown to go with his 59 tackles (34 solo).
Despite this, Odenigbo could be cut tomorrow. The Giants have a crowded group of outside linebackers on their roster, some of which have had impressive summers. Ifeadi Odenigbo, however, has not stood out as much as most hoped he would.
In the Giants’ first unofficial depth chart of the year, Odenigbo was listed third string, behind Trent Harris and Lorenzo Carter. Seeing an established player like Odenigbo so far down the depth chart was surprising, but might foreshadow an early exit from New Jersey.
Trent Harris has had an excellent summer, standing out in training camp and the preseason. The Giants need to add more depth at other positions of greater need. Odenigbo has failed to make a major impact this summer. Because of this, the Giants could cut Ifeadi Odenigbo and reinvest that money elsewhere.