Cut day is almost here for Brian Daboll and the NY Giants. While his focus is fully on trying to get things down to 53, general manager Joe Schoen may not be done trying to bring in more help from elsewhere. We've seen some trades in the NFL in recent days. Could more be on the way?
For the Giants, it has become more clear than ever that this team needs some help for the secondary, with a new cornerback in particular needed for defensive coordinator Shane Bowen. At the same time, the G-Men have some players that they could potentially live without. Two names that have been floated around of late have been Azeez Ojulari and Darius Slayton. Could a last-minute deal be on the way for either of them?
I think the most likely outcome is a CB claimed off waivers next week. I don't see a splash vet signing. Trade is an interesting possibility. My bold prediction is that Ojulari gets dealt in a player-for-player trade https://t.co/tgt2QbfMAw
— Dan Duggan (@DDuggan21) August 22, 2024
Darius Slayton and Azeez Ojulari have been mentioned in Giants trade rumors
In addition to cornerback, another inside linebacker would be a huge benefit, as Micah McFadden is questionable for Week 1 due to a hip injury and camp standout Dyontae Johnson is still working his way back from an ankle injury. Either an ILB or CB2 would be ideal for NY.
Giving up Ojulari would sting a bit, but the fact of the matter here is that Kayvon Thibodeaux and Brian Burns are going to be monsters up front for Bowen and Co. Ojulari is going to be the first guy off the bench, but he could be of more use for another team - preferably one who is willing to give up that ILB or CB we mentioned.
As for Slayton, he has led the Giants in receiving yards in four of the last five seasons. He has been Mr. Reliable and we would hate to see him leave. However, he's in the last year of his contract and the Giants have some depth at the position with Malik Nabers providing a spark, while Jalin Hyatt could step in and claim a starting spot with Slayton gone.
In a perfect world, both guys would stay put and Schoen would be able to land some defensive help a different way, but that might get tricky. Soon enough, we should know if a trade involving either player goes down, but Schoen needs to find a way to bring in some CB/ILB help. The preseason has highlighted just how big of a concern both positions are heading into the season-opener vs. Minnesota.