4 potential surprise cuts in NY Giants training camp
By Zak Musso
2. Gary Brightwell
The Giants running back room is fully stocked. Saquon Barkley’s future is somewhat murky after not agreeing to a long-term contract before the deadline. Still, behind Barkley, the Giants have 2022 fifth-round pick Eric Gray, veteran Matt Breida, recent signee James Robinson, Gary Brightwell, and Jashuan Corbin.
The Giants kept four running backs to start last season. Two players will be trimmed from that room if they keep four again. Barkley (unless he sits out) and Gray are roster locks; Breida was a serviceable backup last year, so he will likely return, and given his track record, Robinson is ahead of the other two on the depth chart.
Brightwell has been on the Giants for the last three seasons, so it would surprise some to see him cut. Brightwell was the Giants kick returner last season and served as the third-string running back, but New York has plenty of better options to return kicks in 2023. Brightwell has received just 32 carries (31 in 2022) in his NFL career, so the coaching staff clearly doesn’t hold him in the highest regard as a ball-carrier.