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NY Giants’ Kevin Zeitler released as cap casualty

By Matt Lombardo

Aug 29, 2019; Foxborough, MA, USA; New York Giants offensive guard Kevin Zeitler (70) watches the game during the second half against the New England Patriots at Gillette Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brian Fluharty-USA TODAY Sports
Aug 29, 2019; Foxborough, MA, USA; New York Giants offensive guard Kevin Zeitler (70) watches the game during the second half against the New England Patriots at Gillette Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brian Fluharty-USA TODAY Sports /
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Veteran offensive guard Kevin Zeitler was released by the NY Giants Wednesday

The NY Giants released veteran right guard Kevin Zeitler Wednesday, in a move to create cap space ahead of the new league year beginning, sources confirm to GMenHQ.

News of Zeitler’s release was first reported by NFL Network.

By releasing Zeitler, the NY Giants freed up $12 million in cap space, while triggering a $2.5 million dead-money charge.

It was not feasible for the NY Giants to keep Zeitler on the roster in 2021 with a $12 million cap number, when the organization opened Wednesday approximately $9 million over the $183.5 million salary cap for 2021.

However, releasing Zeitler, the NY Giants’ most proven and productive offensive lineman, creates a gaping hole at offensive guard in front of third-year quarterback Daniel Jones.

Last season, Zeitler allowed just two sacks and 28 total pressures, while producing a 65.9 overall grade from Pro Football Focus. 

After clearing Zeitler off the books, the NY Giants currently have approximately $1.57 million in spending flexibility with the new league-year set to begin on March 17, when teams must be officially under the salary cap, meaning there are likely more moves to come.

As far as replacing Zeitler, the NY Giants could target former New England Patriots guard Joe Thuney, the premier guard available in free agency, though he will likely have a strong market that could drive his price up to levels the Giants could struggle to afford.

Former Carolina Panthers guard Michael Schoefield and Seahawks’ Mike Iupati could be names to watch in the second-tier guard market, for the Giants.

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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