The New York Giants' 2024 season mercifully concluded with a 3-14 record, marking one of the most dismal campaigns in franchise history. The team's struggles were evident across the board, from inconsistent quarterback play to a defense that couldn't hold the line to a dysfunctional front office and suspect coaching decisions. As the organization shifts focus to rebuilding, it's clear significant roster changes are imminent.
In light of this, the GMENHQ team has identified several players who have likely donned the Giants uniform for the last time. These assessments consider contract statuses, performance levels, and the team's future direction. The departures of these players will undoubtedly signal the beginning of a new chapter for Big Blue.
Five Giants players who played their last snap for the team
Adam Bernstein (author profile)
CB: Adoree' Jackson
The Giants will not be bringing back defensive back Adoree’ Jackson for the 2025 season. Although his expiring contract would make it relatively inexpensive to retain him short-term, Jackson has only played in 13 games this year with the Giants, recording 16 solo tackles, one forced fumble, and five passes defended.
At this point in his career, he is no longer considered a starter. The Giants plan to focus on getting younger at the cornerback position, which will involve increasing the playing time of players like Deonte Banks, Dru Phillips, and Cor’Dale Flott moving forward.
Doug Rush (author profile)
RB: Devin Singletary
When the Giants lost Saquon Barkley to free agency, the team quickly turned to Devin Singletary to try and fill the void. That was the plan heading into Week 1 and beyond, but the Giants may have actually found their long-term replacement for the RB1 position in Tyrone Tracy, their fifth-round pick in the 2024 NFL Draft.
After Singletary went down with an injury early in the season, Tracy took the starting role and hasn’t given it back. Not only has Tracy performed well, but he’s also amassed over 1,000 purpose yards during his rookie season, which means Singletary isn’t as essential. Singletary is still signed for two more seasons after 2024, but the Giants would be better off seeing if a team in need of a veteran running back would want a player who could better suit their needs.
With Tracy, the Giants can still use Eric Gray and see if Dante “Turbo” Miller can factor into the backup snaps that Singletary has been relegated to. While Singletary remains a cheap option at $6 million per season, he’s not a necessity on the Giants' roster moving forward. The Giants should aim to trade him at the start of free agency and secure another draft pick in return.
Joseph Anderson (author profile)
OG: Greg Van Roten
Greg Van Roten has been a serviceable interior offensive lineman during the Giants’ 2024 season. The soon-to-be 35-year-old lineman joined from the Raiders alongside OL coach Carmen Bricillo and fellow lineman Jermaine Eluemunor during free agency. He brought leadership, depth, and positional versatility to a group that was historically bad last season. He even filled in for center John Michael Schmitz, who has battled injuries since entering the league, showcasing his versatility.
Still, Van Roten will likely play his last game for Big Blue this Sunday in the season finale against the Eagles. The Giants need to address the offensive line again next season through both free agency and the draft. They will aim to get younger while adding upgrades across the board. Eluemunor, who played right guard for the Raiders last season, could shift to that position permanently, allowing the Giants to address right tackle instead.
Van Roten could potentially return as veteran depth at center/guard, but with ample cap space and draft picks, the Giants have an opportunity to bring in premium talent and much-needed depth to a unit that has struggled in recent years.
Logan VanDine (author profile)
LB: Azeez Ojulari
The Giants were confident they had acquired a star in edge rusher Azeez Ojulari, a second-round pick in the 2021 NFL Draft. His rookie season was promising, with 8 sacks—a Giants rookie record.
However, Ojulari has struggled to stay on the field and build on his early success. Multiple stints on injured reserve and inconsistent production have hindered his development. Since his 8-sack rookie campaign, he has recorded only 14 sacks over the past three seasons. Rumors swirled about Ojulari being on the trading block this year, but he ultimately remained with Big Blue.
Despite recording six sacks this season—the most since his rookie year—it’s hard to envision Ojulari in a Giants uniform next year. With the emergence of Kayvon Thibodeaux, first-year Giant Brian Burns, and Dexter Lawrence, the team appears set with its starting pass rushers heading into 2025.
Matt Sidney (author profile)
WR: Jalin Hyatt
Let's get just a little bit bold here. Hyatt just wrapped up his second season in the league and time is running out on his "potential." Through two seasons, the 23-year-old former Biletnikoff winner has 31 receptions on 58 targets for 435 receiving yards and no touchdowns.
It's clear Hyatt doesn't have a place on this offense. His transcendental talent in college just hasn't translated into the NFL. Look for the Giants to capitalize on any trade value Hyatt has going into his third year.
There's no doubt a reckoning is coming for this roster. Overhaul will be the name of the game this offseason, and it's tough to see the soon-to-be third-year receiver having any role moving forward. Expect the Giants to unload their failed former third-round pick either via trade or outright release.