As excited as NY Giants fans may be at the prospect of signing WR Kenny Golladay, the acquisition of a No. 1 receiver alone does not cure their offensive line woes or their QB’s potential inability to step forward in his development.
Despite the excitement surrounding the 1x pro-bowler’s potential deal with the Giants, it’s important to recognize there still exist glaring holes in Big Blue’ offensive line as well as uncertainty regarding their quarterback position.
Giants/Kenny Golladay update from me and @JordanRaanan - He’s staying in the area tonight, no deal yet, no resolution expected tonight, still some things to work through. Sounds like still a decent chance they sign him but nothing done yet.
— Dan Graziano (@DanGrazianoESPN) March 20, 2021
There’s no denying that Golladay would reinforce their receiving corps and completely change the dynamic of their skill positions.
Especially after Management inked speed-demon WR John Ross and red-zone target, TE Kyle Rudolph to new deals, further compounding QB Daniel Jones’ arsenal that now features a receiving corps of Sterling Shepherd, Darius Slayton, and Ross along with a tight end unit of Evan Engram, Rudolph, and Kaden Smith.
But how do those moves improve the offensive line? Or, for that matter, leave money to do so? Answer: they don’t.
The key on TE Kyle Rudolph's deal: It includes $4.5 million guaranteed, in terms of a signing bonus. So he pockets $7M in Year 1. Another million available for receptions, yards, TDs and Pro Bowl.
— Jordan Raanan (@JordanRaanan) March 19, 2021
No guarantees in Year 2. Giants will basically have option next year at $5M.
The NY Giants offensive line remains a question mark
In early March, the Giants released RG Kevin Zeitler to free cap space, removing arguably the only consistent performer on their o-line. Granted, Nick Gates performed well at center last year while rookie LT Andrew Thomas had brief flashes of brilliance.
However, the return of LT Nate Solder could push the former Bulldog to the RT position, an area he started 15 games in during his 3 years at Georgia. And all of those were during his freshman season.
Since then, he’s switched to the left side, starting 13 games in both his 2018 and 2019 collegiate seasons. Meanwhile, entering his age 33 season, it will be virtually impossible to start Solder at right tackle – a position he has not played since his rookie season in 2011.
Currently, OT Matt Peart holds that position alongside fellow second-year Shane Lemieux and three-year veteran Will Hernandez at left guard.
But even if the offensive line holds up once the season starts, does that automatically mean Jones will build off the progress of his impressive rookie season instead of reverting back to the sloppy and ineffective performance he had last year?
At the moment, it doesn’t appear as cut-and-dry as that.