The New York Giants made a surprising cut today as the team trimmed its roster down to fifty-three players. Inside linebacker Ryan Connelly was released after one season with the team.
Connelly was selected by the Giants in the fifth round of the 2019 NFL Draft. Early on in the 2019 season, Ryan looked like one of the best young players on the Giants’ poor defense. In the first four games of the season, Ryan Connelly recorded 2 interceptions, 1 sack, and 20 combined tackles.
But this great season was brought to a screeching halt. Connelly suffered a torn ACL in Week 4 that kept him sidelined for the remainder of the season. Many. Giants fans expected Connelly to be one of the Giants’ two starting inside linebackers this season, which is why this roster move is so shocking.
According to the New Jersey beat writers, Connelly was slow to recover in training camp from this injury. But they were all surprised to find out he was cut. After looking so impressive on the field last season, it seemed like Connelly had a bright future ahead. Maybe he does, but that future likely will not be with the New York Giants.
Who Will Replace Connelly?
The Giants drafted four linebackers in 2020. Tae Crowder, Carter Coughlin, Cam Brown, and TJ Brunson will all be on the Giants’ roster, fighting to replace Ryan Connelly. Additionally, DeVante Downs is another young linebacker on the roster who will have a chance to fill Connelly’s role.
Many expected Connelly to start alongside Blake Martinez in 2020. Realistically, that was never going to happen, even with the injury to David Mayo. Mayo’s injury will not keep him sidelined long, and he will return to the starting lineup when he is healthy.
Ryan Connelly is eligible for the Giants’ practice squad if he is not picked up by another team. Tomorrow, we will find out where Connelly is headed.