The New York Giants have an interesting situation unfolding around big-money receiver Kenny Golladay. Golladay signed a monster four-year, $72 million contract during the 2021 off-season that counts $21.15 million against the cap this year.
If the Giants were to cut him now, they would actually lose $14.4 million in salary space, but if the Giants want to move on from him after the 2022 season concludes, they can save $6.7 million in cap.
With an albatross contract on the roster, Golladay does have an out after the 2023 season, but he will likely be long gone if general manager Joe Schoen and head coach Brian Daboll have anything to do with it.
Seemingly, he doesn’t fit their offensive mold, preferring to utilize shifty and more agile receivers rather than big possession bodies.
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The New York Giants do have a problem with Kenny Golladay:
Following Sunday’s win over the Carolina Panthers, Golladay stated his displeasure with the coaching staff for not utilizing him. In fact, Golladay saw a massive regression in snap count from 77% in Week 1 against Tennessee to just 3% against Carolina.
The Giants don’t care how much money he’s making, they’re focused on putting a winning team on the field, no matter the personnel.
“I’ve been in the NFL a long time,’’ Daboll, 47, said Thursday. “I don’t know that I’ve ever been part of any team where someone’s not happy about something. I have great respect for Kenny. I’m glad he’s not happy he didn’t play, that shows competitiveness. He’s been a pro and we’ll see how it goes this week.’’
Daboll had a perfect response to Golladay’s frustration, indicating that he’s happy the 28-year-old is angry about his playing time. That shows competitive spirit, whereas there were rumors he was lacking effort this off-season.
“No,’’ Daboll said. “I got faith in Kenny. I’ve got a good relationship with him. I’m sure for a player that’s 28 that’s not always the easiest thing.’’
So far, the $16 million per season wideout has only recorded two receptions for 22 yards, but it is possible after a strong week of practice the Giants get him more involved against the Dallas Cowboys.
The likelihood is he won’t be a significant part of the offense moving forward, but with Wan’Dale Robinson expected to miss another week and Kadarius Toney continuously dealing with injury, they may have no choice but to rely on him for the time being.