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NY Giants: 5 free agents who won’t be back in 2021

By Matt Lombardo

Oct 22, 2020; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; Philadelphia Eagles running back Boston Scott (35) runs with the ball against New York Giants outside linebacker Kyler Fackrell (51) during the fourth quarter at Lincoln Financial Field. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 22, 2020; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; Philadelphia Eagles running back Boston Scott (35) runs with the ball against New York Giants outside linebacker Kyler Fackrell (51) during the fourth quarter at Lincoln Financial Field. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports /
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Oct 4, 2020; Inglewood, California, USA; New York Giants nose tackle Austin Johnson (98) closes in on Los Angeles Rams quarterback Jared Goff (16) in the fourth quarter at SoFi Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Robert Hanashiro-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 4, 2020; Inglewood, California, USA; New York Giants nose tackle Austin Johnson (98) closes in on Los Angeles Rams quarterback Jared Goff (16) in the fourth quarter at SoFi Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Robert Hanashiro-USA TODAY Sports /

1) DL Austin Johnson

Defensive line is unquestionably the deepest position on the Giants’ roster, and while Austin Johnson has played his way into the rotation, and played well when he’s been on the field, there’s a clear line of demarcation between the top three defensive lineman and Johnson.

Through nine weeks, Johnson played 115 total snaps, a distant fifth on the pecking order along the line, and produced six tackles, one sack, and three total pressures, underscoring his productivity when given an opportunity.

However, the Giants would be wise to prioritize re-signing both Leonard Williams and Dalvin Tomlinson, as two of the core players of the defense, there’s little reason to bring back Johnson. Especially if the Giants plan on keeping B.J. Hill into the final year of his rookie contract. The only conceivable way Johnson should return to the Giants is if the organization winds up trading Hill this offseason, or are unable to re-sign one or both of Williams and Tomlinson.

Next. Grades for every player on the Giants' roster. dark

Matt Lombardo is the site expert for GMenHQ, and writes Between The Hash Marks each Wednesday for FanSided. Follow Matt on Twitter: @MattLombardoNFL.

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