The 2022 New York Giants fooled everyone, but now the real work begins for the front office. In the coming weeks, the duo of general manager Joe Schoen and head coach Brian Daboll will have several major decisions to make. The major talking point up to this point is how this front office will approach both Daniel Jones and Saquon Barkley as they enter free agency.
Outside of Jones and Barkley, there are still many other players and contracts that this team must handle. Dexter Lawrence has looked like a star and he wants an extension. Darius Slayton has been a consistent piece in the Giants offense, but is currently a free agent. The same can be said for safety Julian Love.
Depending on how the Giants approach the offseason, their roster could look drastically different come the start of next fall. This includes several first-year Giants who may not be back for the 2023 campaign. In this piece, we take a look at five first-year G-Men who could be on their way out:
5. RB Matt Breida
In his one season with the Giants, running back Matt Breida stepped in as the team’s RB2. But with Barkley running at a high level, and able to stay healthy, he struggled to earn playing time. Along with this, second-year running back Gary Brightwell also carved out a spot in the offense.
Breida finished the regular season recording just 54 carries for 220 rushing yards and one touchdown. Through the air, he added 20 receptions for 118 receiving yards. Breida struggled to make an impact in the Giants ground game this past season. And the running back position will already be a point of emphasis for this team in the offseason.
The Giants will first have to figure out what will happen with Barkley. If he returns, it could change how they address the rest of the room. Along with this, Brightwell looked to be a reliable RB2. They could look to lean on him even more next season. In turn, Breida could potentially be the odd man out. This could lead to him joining his fifth team in five seasons.
4. OL Jon Feliciano
The Giants offensive line was a point of emphasis last offseason. In addition to drafting right tackle Evan Neal, they added two veterans to the interior. This came with the signings of guard Mark Glowinski and center/guard Jon Feliciano.
Feliciano was given a one-year contract worth $3.25 million, but he is now set to enter free agency once again, and could possibly have played his final game with the Giants. In his first season with NY, Feliciano experienced both highs and lows. At times, he was arguably the weakest point on the offensive line. But in other games, he was a driving force who single-handedly created big plays.
According to PFF, Feliciano finished the season with a 57.7 grade. He also recorded six offensive penalties while allowing three total sacks while playing in 971 total offensive snaps. Over the course of the season, Feliciano was reliable. But at 30 years old, the Giants could look to find a younger option, potentially through the draft.
If Feliciano is willing to return on yet another cheap contract, the two sides could potentially work something out. He could bring the necessary depth and has proven that he can make the necessary plays. But with so many other players that the Giants must first address, these two sides could very well go their separate ways.
3. DT Justin Ellis
The Giants brought in veteran defensive tackle Justin Ellis last season on a one-year deal worth $1.1 million. While he took the field in all 17 regular season games, and both postseason games, he may have played his final down with the team.
At 32 years old, and just finishing what was his ninth NFL season, Ellis played well. He finished the regular season recording 22 total tackles, two tackles for loss, one quarterback hit, and one sack while earning four total starts.
In the Giants two playoff games, Ellis also took the field. Over the two games, he played 15 total snaps and recorded one tackle. But that could very well be it for the veteran defensive tackle.
The Giants defensive front is arguably the past group of this team. With Kayvon Thibodeaux and Azeez Ojulari occupying the edges, and Dexter Lawrence in the middle, there is a solid core. If Leonard Williams returns next season, this pass-rush will be near identical.
Instead of bringing back Ellis, the Giants could look to add younger talent along the defensive front. This team has done well in adding to this group through the draft. They could choose this approach once again to add to the line.
2. Pass-rusher Jihad Ward
Last offseason’s signing of Jihad Ward may have been this front office’s most underrated addition. In just one season with the Giants, Ward became the voice of the Giants locker room and played a key role on the field. But with how he produced in 2022, he could be due for a big payday. And this could lead to the two sides parting ways.
In his lone season with the Giants, Ward was a key playmaker along the defensive front. When Ojulari missed time with injury, Ward stepped into his role. He finished the regular season playing in all 17 games while earning 11 total starts. He recorded 43 total tackles, seven tackles for loss, 13 quarterback hits, three sacks, two forced fumbles, and four defended passes.
Ward played the best football of his career in 2022. He also seemed to have built a strong connection within the Giants organization. This could very well lead to the two sides reaching a new deal, and this defense would welcome his return.
At just 28 years old, he still has good football left and a team could be willing to offer him more money than the Giants. We’d love to have him back, but the Giants may not be able to afford him.
1. WR Richie James
When the Giants added Richie James prior to last season, they were looking for wide receiver depth and a proven return man. With injuries striking the return room, James rose up the depth chart. He finished the season recording career-highs in every receiving category.
In total, he recorded 57 receptions for 569 receiving yards and four receiving touchdowns on 70 total targets. While James was a go-to option for Jones through the air, he likely has played his last down with the team.
At times, he struggled on offense. In addition, he often worked best out of the slot. When Wan’Dale Robinson returns from his torn ACL, that will once again be his spot on the offense. Drops were an issue for James and his two fumbles against the Seahawks on special teams were terrible to see.
Through either free agency, a trade, or somewhere in the draft, the Giants could add much-needed firepower to their wide receiver room. With an expected rebuild in that area on the way, many familiar faces may have played their final game with the team. This includes Kenny Golladay, Slayton, and Sterling Shepard may not be back in the fold next season. The same could be said for James.
5 NY Giants players who likely played their final game with the team
There's plenty of tough decisions for Joe Schoen to make this offseason and there's no room for these players on the Giants roster next year.