There's a battle brewing in East Rutherford this week and NY Giants general manager Joe Schoen must come out on top. With the Jets hosting a visit with veteran offensive tackle La'El Collins, Big Blue is following suit, showing interest in the big-bodied lineman.
With the way the offensive line has looked for the Giants this season, people on social media are telling Schoen to do whatever is needed to make sure Collins signs with the G-Men and not Gang Green. How will this end up playing out?
Collins is still recovering from the serious knee injury he suffered last season, so don't expect him to play against the Bills if NY does sign him in the coming days. However, he could be ready to rock sooner than later and we'd expect him to jump right into the mix at right tackle.
NY Giants offensive line would look totally different if La'El Collins joins the team
So, in a few weeks, how could the OL look for Daniel Jones? Here's how we think things could potentially go down: LT Andrew Thomas, LG Ben Bredeson, C John Michael Schmitz, RG Evan Neal and RT Collins.
We know what you're thinking - Neal changing positions? Unfortunately, it has to be done. One of the main issues for the offense this season has been Neal's inability to protect guys on the outside. He's simply not good enough right now to keep being trotted out there at RT.
WHAT THE F!!!! Every week, the Giants let an unblocked rusher in for a sack, EVERY WEEK! Its always on Evan Neal's side, too. pic.twitter.com/YXYyGQ9cU2
— Alex Wilson (@AlexWilsonESM) October 8, 2023
Keep in mind that the Giants also recently signed former first-round pick Justin Pugh to the practice squad. Pugh is slowly but surely working his way back to full health and could see significant playing time if his number is called later this season. If Brian Daboll doesn't want to move Neal to the inside, then enter Pugh at RG.
This is all of course contingent on the fact that the Giants get things done with Collins. Schoen has around $4 million in available cap space, while the Jets have more than $6 million. It could come down to the best selling pitch, so there's no question plenty of pressure will be on Schoen to deliver not only for Jones and Daboll, but the fanbase too.