Every season, the NY Giants get a batch of new faces on the team that fans are excited about. However, with these acquisitions comes the loss of veterans. This year will likely be no different and the Giants could lose some pretty important players on both sides of the ball depending on how their seasons go.
These five players have been with New York for a few years now, and whether they've disappointed, or are entering the final year of their deals - it's unlikely they suit up for Big Blue in 2025. We'd like to see them stick around, but current circumstances are making it seem like they could be on their way out the door before we know it:
5. CB Aaron Robinson
Early on in his career, it really seemed like Aaron Robinson had the potential to be a very solid corner in the NFL. However, he's played just 11 games in three seasons and the Giants may be fed up with wasting time on his development.
The Giants already have plenty of more proven, and arguably better corners ahead of Robinson on the depth chart, so it will take a lot for him to work his way back up. Given his history of significant injuries, though, this is quite unlikely as depressing as it may seem.
Realistically, we could see Robinson getting released before the 2024 season even starts. Not only could the Giants benefit from clearing up their log jam at corner, but cutting Robinson would save New York a little over $1 million in cap space.
It's an unfortunate tale, but one the Giants are familiar with. It's far too often that New York adds a young talented player on their roster just to have their potential ruined by injuries. We wish Robinson nothing but the best, but it's just not looking good for the 26-year-old CB moving forward.
4. WR Isaiah Hodgins
After shocking the world with his end-of-season heroics in 2022, many thought Isaiah Hodgins was primed to be the next star receiver for the Giants. However, when the time came for him to take that leap, Hodgins almost disappeared last season.
Whether it be due to poor QB play, or the chance that his heroics were a fluke, Hodgins was massively disappointing in 2023. Through 17 games, he caught just 21 passes for 230 yards and four touchdowns. While he could very well be in for a bounce-back season if Daniel Jones improves, there's a real chance that this season is Hodgins' last with New York.
Some even thought Hodgins wouldn't be returning for this season, as originally, Joe Schoen opted to let him hit the open market in free agency. However, it didn't take long before Hodgins re-signed with the Giants on a one-year contract. Regardless, it'll likely take a lot for him to be back in 2025.
3. OLB Azeez Ojulari
Similar to Robinson, Azeez Ojulari had tons of potential to be great for the Giants. However, injuries have hampered his progression and following the Brian Burns trade, we're not sure if he'll get much playing time in 2023.
This, combined with his disappointing play from last season, makes him an easy candidate to let walk in the offseason. In 11 games last year, Ojulari racked up just 16 tackles, 2.5 sacks, and 25 pressures. Given how relatively disappointing New York's pass-rush has been in recent years aside from Kayvon Thibodeaux and Dexter Lawrence, the Giants simply need more out of their other EDGE position.
That's where Burns comes in, subsequently knocking Ojulari to the bench. It's unfortunate, but Burns will provide more than Ojulari ever has. Given his extensive injury history, we wouldn't be shocked if Schoen let Ojulari walk in the offseason in order to bring in a more guaranteed option off the bench.
2. WR Darius Slayton
While there have been some positive talks recently between Darius Slayton and the Giants, if they are unable to put a deal together, there's almost no chance Slayton will return next year. In fact, he could very easily get traded if things go south.
Slayton has consistently been undervalued by the Giants since being drafted in the fifth round of the 2019 NFL Draft. While his early career struggles were certainly noteworthy, he has since become a solid outside receiver in the NFL, yet, he isn't being paid like it. This, combined with the fact that he is 27 years old, makes it easy to understand why he wants a better contract before the season begins.
Through five seasons, Slayton has caught 220 passes for 3,324 yards and 19 touchdowns. Regardless of QB, coach, or system, Slayton has always shown up, played his role, and been a huge part of the locker room - it's about time that the Giants begin to respect him.
Unfortunately, though, with the drafting of Malik Nabers, the door has potentially been opened for Schoen to let Slayton walk in the offseason, or trade him soon. It's unfortunate because Slayton deserves to get paid properly. However, football is a business and Schoen knows this just like any other GM.
1. QB Daniel Jones
This may not come as a surprise, but Jones has a LONG way to go in order to be worth that $47 million cap hit he has this season. Unless a miracle occurs and Jones returns or plays above his 2022 season, there's almost no way he won't be released in 2025. Jones is currently being paid like a top quarterback in the NFL, yet, in '23, he played like one of the worst before tearing his ACL.
Now, given the Giants' efforts to trade up for Drake Maye in this year's draft, it seems like they've lost faith in Jones' abilities to lead this team. This isn't surprising, as his two-touchdown, six-interception outing last season was nothing short of abysmal.
In the modern NFL, you need to either have an elite QB, or a top-tier supporting cast to achieve meaningful success. Currently, the Giants have neither, so it may be time to move on from Jones sooner rather than later in order to find their new franchise guy behind center.
Perhaps Jones can surprise all of us and go back to being an at least above-average QB, but given everything going against him, this is doubtful. He's been given far too many chances and fans are simply getting tired of his poor play.