With the 2023 NFL Draft almost here, the NY Giants are going to have some tough decisions on the way. Obviously, the Giants need as many bodies as they can for training camp and the preseason, but we could still see some changes be made prior to then.
At the time of this writing, the Giants have around $3.4 million in cap space, meaning they will need to clear up more in order to have enough money to pay a full rookie class. This could potentially result in some players being moved or released following the draft. Whether it be due to their cap hit, lack of production, or to make room for a rookie, these players could have their time in New York cut short:
4. RB Gary Brightwell
While Gary Brightwell has certainly shown some flashes in recent seasons, it would not surprise us to see him be released if the NY Giants opt to select a running back at some point in the draft. Brightwell would likely be brought back to the practice squad, but a release is more likely than you'd think.
The odds of Joe Schoen drafting a running back in rounds 3-7 of this year's draft are quite high. Not only is Saquon Barkley on an expiring contract, but the Giants as a whole could use some better depth at the position.
Brightwell is solid, don't get us wrong, but it's questionable to say he's shown enough to be on the roster over a potential rookie, especially in such a deep RB class. Through two seasons, Brightwell has run the ball 32 times for 145 yards and one touchdown, averaging 4.5 yards per carry.
Obviously, Brightwell hasn't gotten many opportunities, but releasing him could save the Giants anywhere from $800-900,000 depending on when they opt to cut the 24-year-old RB. Another candidate for release instead of Brightwell is Matt Breida, but considering the connections and how solid he was last season, this is rather unlikely.
3. OL Shane Lemieux
This may come as a surprise, especially with the state of the NY Giants' offensive line, however, with the injury problems Shane Lemieux has had over the last couple of seasons, alongside the incredibly poor play he's displayed, we don't see many reasons to keep him around.
Lemieux has appeared in just two games over the last two seasons and has allowed five pressures and a sack in said appearances. Considering the Giants have Mark Glowinski to fill in the right guard spot, and either Josh Ezeudu, Marcus McKethan, or even Ben Bredeson at LG, there may not even be room for Lemieux to play if he's healthy.
Releasing Lemieux would save the Giants around $920,000 in cap space regardless of when they opt to cut him. While this may not be a substantial amount, this would go a long way in helping pay for the team's incoming rookie class, which could even include another guard to move Lemieux even further down the depth chart.
Earlier this offseason, Schoen said that Lemieux is among the group of guys he'd feel comfortable with getting a look at center. However, the team also just signed J.C. Hassenauer to a new deal. And with NY looking to draft a potential starter later this month, it could result in Lemieux getting cut.
2. EDGE Elerson Smith
Similar to Brightwell, Smith is another player from the 2021 NFL Draft who hasn't shown all that much and very well could be cut if the Giants opt to select an edge-rusher in this year's draft. While Elerson hasn't seen the field much due to health issues, even when he has played he hasn't been very productive.
Through 13 games in two seasons, Smith has racked up four combined tackles and six pressures. While Smith plays a decent amount of snaps on special teams, they can easily be replaced by a hungry undrafted rookie or cheap veteran.
This is probably the least likely to happen out of the previously mentioned potential cuts due to the Giants' lack of depth at the edge-rusher position. However, this depth could easily be shored up if New York decides to draft someone new.
1. CB Darnay Holmes
Darnay Holmes feels like he could end up being on his way out of East Rutherford. Not only has he been rather disappointing over his young career, but releasing him could save the NY Giants a pretty solid amount of cash.
There was a lot of hope for Holmes to have a bit of a breakout year this season following his incredible training camp performance. However, Holmes didn't live up to the hype and he even cost the Giants at times.
In 15 games last season, Holmes allowed 43 receptions on 66 targets for 456 yards and one touchdown, while also being penalized nine times. Holmes may have been good for a big tackle every now and then, but he was a borderline liability at times in coverage.
Releasing Holmes would give the Giants around $2.5 million in cap space, which compared to everyone else mentioned prior, is a hefty amount of money. The Giants are almost certainly selecting a corner in the first three rounds of this draft, meaning they will not have much need for Holmes with all the depth they'll have at his position.
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