From the couch to the field, no one can deny veteran offensive lineman Justin Pugh helped the NY Giants in a big way against the Buffalo Bills. Recently signed to the practice squad, Pugh started at guard and then was forced to move to left tackle after Joshua Ezeudu was injured.
Pugh struggled at times, but he played admirably for basically being thrown into the mix at the last minute. After being elevated to the active roster, Pugh just returned to the practice squad, but that figures to be a short move.
However, general manager Joe Schoen MUST make Pugh happy with a new contract as soon as possible. On Sunday night, Pugh proved his worth in that game alone and the Giants can't risk someone else going after him.
We'll see what happens. Pugh reverted back to the PS. We'll see how both sides proceed. Giants want him here. He wants to use whatever leverage was gained Sunday night to get a more lucrative deal. We'll see if there is something to be worked out. If not, Pugh has decision. https://t.co/QEzSx6ZL9m
— Art Stapleton (@art_stapleton) October 17, 2023
The NY Giants must give Justin Pugh a new contract as soon as possible
The pressure is no doubt on Schoen to get something done. Pugh basically had an audition vs. the Bills. Yes, he wasn't perfect, but he also looked pretty damn stellar at times for a guy who is coming off a torn ACL and barely knew the playbook.
With the struggles the Giants have had on the line throughout the year, seeing Pugh open up holes for the run game and protect Tyrod Taylor was a breath of fresh air. Now that he's (for now) back on the practice squad, Pugh is able to sign to a different team's active roster.
No Giants fan wants to see that happen. Big Blue took a shot on inking Pugh to the PS and now people want to see him on the 53-man roster the rest of the season. His veteran presence alone could be huge for the young group up front.
Schoen obviously isn't going to break the bank to make Pugh happy, but they've simply got to figure things out before it's too late. If Pugh ends up playing for a different team in the coming weeks, Big Blue supporters will be livid with Schoen if he blows this.