Good Morning, New York Giants Fans!
Saturday marked the deadline to cut NFL rosters down to 53-men, and the Giants were forced to make several tough decisions that could be detrimental to the team during the regular season.
While plenty of valueless players were cut, some were surprises and were thought to be potential contributors this upcoming season.
Here are two players they could regret cutting:
1.) WR T.J. Jones
Catching 12 receptions for 146-yards and two scores this preseason gave Jones the film to justify a roster spot for the regular season. He showed his ability to make difficult catches and play from the slot in addition to wideout. With the Giants having a thin wide receiver corps, there was an opportunity for a pass-catcher to join the unit, especially with Golden Tate missing the first four games of the season.
Jones being cut could hurt down the line, but it all depends on the health of the unit.
2.) LB Josiah Tauaefa
The undrafted linebacker out of Texas-San Antonio earned one of the best grades of the preseason, according to PFF.
Undrafted free agent Josiah Tauaefa has been a pleasant surprise for the New York Giants so far this preseason. Tauaefa has seen most of his preseason time in coverage where he has recorded four coverage stops, but he has also excelled in his limited action against the run and in the pass-rush. The former UTSA product was a legitimate threat as a blitzer in college, as he finished his three-year college career with 63 pressures and a 94.0 pass-rush grade his final season.
His play-making ability and speed in the middle of the field made him attractive, but he was not capable of being a starter during his rookie season.
Keeping him on the roster as a developmental player would have been the ideal scenario. If the Giants can sign him to the practice squad, they will have the opportunity to help him grow, but the effectiveness he showed this preseason shouldn’t be overlooked.
Nonetheless–
Paul Schwartz (NY Post) – Breaking down Giants after roster cut-down day