There have some amazing additions for the NY Giants this offseason, of course highlighted by linebacker Bobby Okereke and wide receiver Paris Campbell. However, that doesn't mean some key guys won't be returning.
For the offensive line, both Nick Gates and Jon Feliciano have signed deals with new squads. This means that the Giants, for now, are without a starting center. However, Joe Schoen isn't worried about things. The general manager is confident in guys he has on the roster, naming three guys in particular who can step in if needed:
Joe Schoen on the #Giants current center situation
— Nick Falato (@nickfalato) March 29, 2023
Interesting stuff 🤔
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Who will be the NY Giants starting center Week 1?
While speaking at the NFL league meetings, Schoen mentioned Ben Bredeson, Shane Lemieux and Jack Anderson as guys the team would be comfortable with getting a look. Bredeson seems like the most likely candidate to potentially grab the starting job out of the three.
However, it's important to remember that the Giants could end up finding their center for the future in the 2023 NFL Draft. Also, Schoen may not be done making moves in free agency - he could look for a new center there as well.
Feliciano signed a one-year deal with the team last offseason, and while he was strong at times, he also was quite inconsistent at times. He'll be suiting up for the 49ers next fall. As for Gates, he's an inspiration after recovering from his gruesome leg injury. In 2023, he'll be with the Commanders.
As busy as Schoen has been signing players over the past two weeks or so, there's still plenty of work to be done. Some offensive line depth will be needed, with center being a focus. We'll have to wait and see if he uses an early draft pick on a center or not. If he doesn't, then look for Bredeson, Anderson and Lemieux to be the main contenders to snap the ball to Daniel Jones come Week 1.