The final preseason game for the New York Giants will likely provide the information that determines the future of about 40 players that will be cut next week prior to the start of the regular season. We won’t know who GM Dave Gettleman and HC Pat Shurmur decide to release until it happens, but based on the performances this season, we have an idea of who’s on the bubble.
Lets dive into five players that could be surprising cuts for the New York Giants:
1.) WR Hunter Sharp
While this release isn’t exactly ‘surprising’, it’s certainly interesting. Sharp has flashed potential as a special teams player, running a punt back for a touchdown in last week’s Snoopy Bowl. Despite that one positive, he also dropped two passes that were easily catchable. His value is very binary and focused – I don’t think it will be enough to keep him on the roster.
2.) RB Jonathan Stewart
Gettleman signed Stewart to a two-year, $6.8 million with the intention of extracting any gas left in the tank. Additionally, Stewart offers value as a mentor for first-round pick Saquon Barkley. So far, the former Carolina back has struggled immensely throughout preseason, amassing -5 yards on 10 carries. That’s an average of -0.5 yards per carry.
When Stewart was asked about his lack of value in the run game, he responded with a quick, “It’s preseason.” If the Giants cut him they would save 600k in cap-space to allocate towards positions of need. The question is: Is Gettleman able to admit he’s made a mistake and cut the running back?
3.) OL John Jerry
Another potential roster cut would be John Jerry, the offensive lineman that Jerry Reese saw so much value in he decided to deliver a three-year, $10 million deal to his doorstep. Jerry is a below average run blocker but has some value in pass protection. He’s owed $3.6 million with $2.55 guaranteed in 2018. If he were to be cut the Giants would save about $1.15 million in cap-space. Believe it or not, that’s enough to sign a player that offers more value at another position.
4.) OL Chad Wheeler
Despite being drafted in 2017, USC product Chad Wheeler could be a roster cut this time around. He could be resigned to the practice squad, but there doesn’t seem to be much buzz around him this offseason. He hasn’t shown much optimism for development outside of a decent showing against the Kansas City Chiefs last year.
The Giants would save about 500k by releasing the tackle.
5.) CB Grant Haley
After having a solid training camp, rookie cornerback Grant Haley has fallen off a bit in recent weeks. The hopes were that Haley could play a starting role at slot corner, or offer some value in the secondary. I think third-year man Donte Deayon has a better chance at earning the roster spot over Haley, despite injury concerns from the tiny corner. Deayon has been a menace in coverage and has earned an opportunity on the active roster, expect to see the Giants make Haley their No. 1 practice squad priority.