With the NY Giants training camp around the corner, fans are excited to see how players will perform. However, something that supporters of the Giants will have to be prepared for are the eventual cuts that will come at the end of camp.
These four players are seemingly at risk of being released unless they perform well past their expectations in training camp. Not only do they have youngsters coming for their spot, but poor play in recent years could make it much easier to let them go:
4. OG Shane Lemieux
There was a reasonable amount of hype for Shane Lemieux after he was drafted in the fifth round of the 2020 NFL Draft. While no one expected him to be a star, there was hope that Lemieux could at least contribute at a solid level to a Giants' offensive line that desperately needed it.
Despite this, Lemieux really hasn't shown much since being drafted. This is due to a combination of injuries, and just overall poor play when healthy. Now, with Ben Bredeson and Josh Ezeudu in the mix for starting left guard, there's a more than decent chance that we see Lemieux be cut following training camp.
Releasing Lemieux would save the Giants around $920,000. This isn't a substantial amount, but it's not as if the Giants would lose money by cutting him. It's unfortunate that Lemieux has dealt with so many injuries, only playing 14 games in three years. However, even when on the field, whether it be preseason, or his lone healthy year, Lemieux hasn't been that impressive.
In the lone season where Lemieux played more than 10 games, he allowed 25 pressures and five sacks, earning a PFF pass-blocking grade of 16.9. That's just unfathomably bad and something the Giants can't afford to deal with as they look to record another playoff appearance in 2023.
3. LB Jarrad Davis
Prior to this week, there was a slim-to-none chance that Jarrad Davis was going to be cut. Who knew whether or not he'd start, however, we all knew he'd contribute to the Giants' defense. Now, though, after suffering a knee injury that has him out indefinitely, it wouldn't shock us at all to see Joe Schoen cut the veteran.
The Giants already had Micah McFadden and Darrian Beavers behind Davis. While they may not be better right away, they certainly have a higher upside. With Davis' injury, though, one of these two will likely be forced into the starting role for the time being.
Schoen is likely already looking at players to potentially replace Davis with as the Giants enter the season. It's always unfortunate to see a player be cut due to injuries, but the NFL is a business, and Schoen is likely going to make a business decision. It sucks, but the Giants need to find a new linebacker to fill in the new gap at the position.
Maybe Davis's injury isn't as bad as initial reports suggested and he'll be back sooner rather than later. However, it's not looking good for now and the Giants need to understand this and look for potential replacements soon.
2. WR David Sills
He may have connections to Daniel Jones, but with the amount of depth the NY Giants' receiving core now has, there may not be enough room for David Sills. It's unfortunate because Sills did have some solid moments with the Giants last season. However, it's hard to keep giving him snaps over players that are clearly more talented than him.
Realistically, he isn't going to get snaps over any of the following receivers; Isaiah Hodgins, Darius Slayton, Parris Campbell, Wan'Dale Robinson, Sterling Shepard, Jaylin Hyatt, or Collin Johnson. That's not even including a more proven veteran like Jamison Crowder, or a much more exciting project player like Bryce Ford-Wheaton.
If cut, Sills will likely return to the practice squad due to his aforementioned connections. This is a more realistic role for Sills. Honestly, the fact that Sills started in five games last season is more of a display of how rough the Giants receiving core was as opposed to his talents.
1. CB Darnay Holmes
Honestly, we're rather surprised that Darnay Holmes is still with the Giants. Not only did he play rather poorly last season, but his release has been rumored all offseason. This is because cutting Holmes would free up a little over $2.5 million in cap space.
With the recent drafting of Deonte Banks, the Giants gained an extra boost in depth at corner. With both Banks and Adoree' Jackson ahead of him, alongside more interesting prospects like Cor'Dale Flott and Aaron Robinson, Holmes could very quickly be out of the rotation. This is unfortunate, however, Holmes has had several opportunities to prove he can be a starting-level corner and he hasn't shown much of anything.
Last season, Holmes allowed 43 receptions on 66 targets for 456 yards and one touchdown in 15 games. Alongside this, Holmes was also flagged nine times. These numbers aren't the worst, but they definitely aren't good enough to warrant playing him over younger guys with higher upside.
Maybe in another universe, Holmes had that breakout season we've been waiting for. In our world though, it might be time to finally give up hope that he'll be anything more than an okay depth piece for a playoff team.
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