In typical New York Giants fashion, they are stuck with another bust on the offensive line. Since Big Blue drafted John Michael Schmitz in the second round of the 2023 NFL Draft, he has been one of the least productive centers in the NFL.
Schmitz is under contract with the franchise through 2026, but the veteran center's days in New York could come to an end far sooner than expected. As the Giants host the Philadelphia Eagles on Thursday Night Football, the former Minnesota standout could be in for a long night.
The Eagles' defensive front is headlined by defensive tackles Jalen Carter and Jordan Davis — both of whom are among the most dangerous interior linemen in football. And in Jaxson Dart's first career primetime start, this matchup couldn't come at a worse time for the most suspect player on New York's shaky offensive line.
Jalen Carter and Jordan Davis will put the nail in the coffin for John Michael Schmitz
After a rough campaign in 2024, the 26-year-old has enjoyed a minor bounce-back in 2025. His Pro Football Focus grade remains near the bottom at his position, but his 62.4 pass block grade is 16th among all centers.
The return of Andrew Thomas has seen New York's offensive line improve considerably, but the unit has been far from impressive. Luckily, Vic Fangio's defense has been underwhelming this season due to the lack of pass-rush juice after both Milton Williams and Josh Sweat left in free agency.
It's because of those departures that Philadelphia's pass-rush struggled to get home this season, as their seven sacks are tied with three other teams for 28th in the NFL. But that doesn't mean that Carter and Davis won't make an impact.
While it likely won't show up on the stat sheet, both former Georgia stars are fantastic against the run and have the power to manhandle a former collegiate All-American in Schmitz. And their end goal will be to ensure that Dart is humbled for the second consecutive weekend.
But in a shocking twist, Carter was a late addition to the Eagles' injury report with a heel injury and is no guarantee to play. If he does play though, he'll be in for another big night against the Giants.
The Illinois native has quietly been a subject of trade rumors before the November Trade Deadline, so all eyes will be on his performance. If the team is ready to cut ties with Evan Neal (who has yet to suit up this season), then JMS is almost certainly on the outside looking in regarding the team's long-term plans.
And should Schmitz again falter under the bright lights, Thursday could mark the beginning of the end for his time in New York, which won't come soon enough.