NY Giants roster: 5 players most likely to be released after 2021 season

Player #4 unlikely to return after 2021 NY Giants season: Clayton Thorson, QB

What the NY Jets did this past offseason after swinging and missing on their top-10 QB selection from 2018–trading Sam Darnold away to the Carolina Panthers–after landing another potential franchise quarterback in the top 10 could be the blueprint for what the NY Giants do in 2022 should they find a suitable replacement for Daniel Jones.

That said, Jones would need to severely underwhelm this season for that to even be in consideration. He has already proven to be a better fit in New York than Darnold was ever able to, so at worst the G-Men seem likely to draft a contingency plan and have Jones battle for his starting role.

Whatever happens, the QB room could be due to add another arm via the draft next season if the Giants fail to crack the postseason yet again. If that happens, expect third-year Clayton Thorson to be looking for his fourth team after the Eagles and Cowboys had no role for him the past two seasons before this one.

Player #5 unlikely to return after 2021 NY Giants season: Raymond Johnson, DE

The #1 thing working against Raymond Johnson is the amount of money already being spent at his position.

Leonard Williams owns the highest guaranteed salary next season, and Dexter Lawrence and Ifeadi Odenigbo could find themselves costing a pretty penny if they stick this coming season.

That leaves Johnson–who has yet to suit up in a regular season game–out in the cold.