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Ranking NY Giants’ 5 biggest risks taken in 2021

By Danny Friedman

SEATTLE, WASHINGTON - DECEMBER 06: Offensive Coordinator Jason Garrett of the New York Giants looks on before their game against the Seattle Seahawks at Lumen Field on December 06, 2020 in Seattle, Washington. (Photo by Abbie Parr/Getty Images)
SEATTLE, WASHINGTON - DECEMBER 06: Offensive Coordinator Jason Garrett of the New York Giants looks on before their game against the Seattle Seahawks at Lumen Field on December 06, 2020 in Seattle, Washington. (Photo by Abbie Parr/Getty Images) /
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Kevin Zeitler #70 of the New York Giants  (Photo by Abbie Parr/Getty Images)
Kevin Zeitler #70 of the New York Giants  (Photo by Abbie Parr/Getty Images) /

Shedding Kevin Zeitler’s contract was a Massive Risk

The NY Giants cutting Kevin Zeitler was one of the most difficult and controversial moves of their 2021 offseason.

Kevin had a large enough cap hit that was never going to fly in 2021. It would’ve been doable to keep Zeitler’s contract as is, but it would’ve prevented the Giants from doing the significant business that they executed in free agency.

Zeitler was the leader of the Giants’ offensive line, their worst position group in recent years. Zeitler was their best, most dominant, and consistent player in his two seasons in New York. He was reliable on the right side, something the Giants need far more of early and often in games this year.

Freeing up money from Zeitler’s contract may have worked out in the best interest of both sides.

The Giants got better at other key positions and they also got younger along the way. Moving on from Zeitler was always going to be a tough pill to swallow but one that should have been expected. The Giants will have to turn to Shane Lemieux, Will Hernandez, and Zach Fulton to shore up the starting guard spots and improve from their 2020 performances.

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