NY Giants and Joe Schoen should bring back a former OL for needed depth

Could Schoen and Co. bring back Nick Gates?
Indianapolis Colts v New York Giants
Indianapolis Colts v New York Giants / Vincent Alban/GettyImages
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The NY Giants and Joe Schoen of course aren't done tweaking the roster ahead of the 2024 campaign. We got another reminder of that with the G-Men signing wideout Allen Robinson to a one-year contract - that news came in from out of nowhere.

The WRs room has a new look to it, and the exact same can be said for the offensive line. Offseason additions have been highlighted by Jon Runyan Jr. and Jermaine Eluemunor, but more work needs to be done, particularly on the interior. Is that where Nick Gates comes in? If you ask us, Schoen reuniting with the veteran lineman makes a ton of sense.

Could the NY Giants bring back former fan-favorite Nick Gates this offseason?

A major sell for Gates is his versatility, as he could step in at either guard spot, as well as center. After spending the first four years of his career with the Giants, Gates signed last offseason with the Washington Commanders on a three-year deal, but he was released after Year 1.

No, he didn't get the same type of hate as Saquon Barkley for inking with a divisional rival. Gates ended up appearing in 13 games for Washington and Ron Rivera, posting 10 starts. The 6-5, 310-pounder remains quite easy to root for too, as he overcame unreal adversity with the Giants.

As most of you remember, Gates suffered one of the most gruesome lower leg injuries you'll ever see during the 2021 campaign. Gates ended up having seven surgeries and he miraculously was able to get back on the football field in 2022. That year, he appeared in 10 games for Schoen and Big Blue, with eight starts.

While he's not a superstar by any means, Gates could provide needed depth for new position coach Carmen Bricillo. With where we're at in free agency too, you can't imagine Gates would be getting a contract that would cause issues for the front office. He'd be an affordable signing, one who is already familiar with what it takes to win in East Rutherford. If Schoen makes a move here, we'd be all for it.

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