The New York Giants’ weekly inactive list has made one thing obvious: 2022’s seventh-overall pick, Evan Neal, has no place in East Rutherford anymore. The right tackle-turned-offensive guard has officially worn out his welcome. Through six weeks, he’s suited up for zero games and hasn’t played a single snap.
Head coach Brian Daboll kicked the slow-footed, 6-foot-7 behemoth inside after failing outside. Early returns at training camp were promising, but a poor preseason all but confirmed he’s just not built to play in Giants blue. And through three-plus seasons, a change of scenery could be exactly what both parties need.
It’s hard to gauge what the former Alabama standout would net the G-Men — likely a late Day 3 pick — but that’s still better than losing him for nothing. General manager Joe Schoen already declined his fifth-year option this past offseason, making Neal a free agent in 2026 anyway. So, it’s time to start dialing ahead of the November 4 trade deadline to see if any team would be willing to take a flier on the 25-year-old.
4 possible landing spots for Evan Neal
Houston Texans
Houston feels like a textbook buy-low spot. Their line has struggled to keep quarterback C.J. Stroud upright, especially on the interior, and they’ve given up more than a few too many clean shots. That’s not sustainable.
For a team looking to earn respect around the league, grabbing a former top-10 pick for pennies makes all the sense in the world. There’s no pressure for him to step in and dominate — just hold his own and tap into the traits that made him such a coveted prospect in the first place. If he figures it out, it’s a win. If not, they’re out a Day 3 pick.
Los Angeles Chargers
The Bolts make just as much sense. Star left tackle Rashawn Slater’s done for the year, and that line is already shaky without their All-Pro anchor. Throw in a front office willing to gamble on raw upside, and it’s not hard to picture a flier being sent New York’s way.
He wouldn’t need to be a savior — just a body who can give head coach Jim Harbaugh flexibility. Between right tackle and guard, there’s enough of a need that the Chargers could plug him in and hope a fresh setting unlocks something. For a team still clinging to win-now mode through pounding the rock, it’s a move that tracks.
Los Angeles Rams
The Rams just scream Evan Neal landing spot. Rob Havenstein’s 33, Alaric Jackson’s playing on an expiring deal, and the rest of the offensive line room doesn’t exactly offer long-term security. LA general manager Les Snead has made a habit of scooping up former first-rounders who need a change of scenery, and No. 73 fits that to a tee.
He’s still young, with the size and run-blocking strength that could help head coach Sean McVay unlock the ground game. For a team like the Horns looking for depth now and answers later, this would be a classic low-cost flier with legitimate upside.
Minnesota Vikings
Minnesota’s offensive line is a M.A.S.H. unit right now. With offensive tackle Brian O’Neill shelved and center Ryan Kelly on IR, the Vikings are scraping the bottom of the depth chart — and it’s showing.
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If there’s ever a time to take a flier on a why-not project, this is it. Neal’s pass protection needs work, but his 80.8 run-blocking Pro Football Focus grade from 2024 proves there’s something to work with. The Vikes are desperate, and he’s cheap. That might just be the recipe.