The New York Giants found themselves in a four-year toxic relationship with offensive lineman Evan Neal. They convinced themselves that they could change him, bring out the best in him, but he disappointed them time after time.
Big Blue broke free this offseason, releasing the former first-round pick at the cut deadline. The Las Vegas Raiders were quick to take a chance on the lineman, signing him to their practice squad.
Unlike the 2022-2024 Giants, the Raiders aren't relying on Neal to be a serious contributor this season. Still, they'll find out quickly why the G-Men were willing to finally let go.
Raiders sign former Giants draft bust Evan Neal to practice squad
Neal had all of the potential in the world when he came out of Alabama. While his technique was lacking, especially in pass protection, his strong hands and large frame were enough to make him a coveted prospect. If the technical side of his game had come along, he could have been a star.
Of course, that never happened. In three years, he allowed pressures on almost 5% of his pass-blocking snaps. In both 2022 and 2023, he was one of the NFL's 15 least-efficient pass blockers. It was unsustainable.
The Giants tried to move him inside to guard, but he never found his footing there, either. Neal didn't see the field at all in 2025. In a surprising move, New York brought him back on a one-year deal this offseason.
But even after the G-Men traded away two right guards during the preseason, Neal wasn't able to secure a roster spot. Even Bryan Hudson, a former undrafted free agent center whom the Giants brought in just weeks ago, was able to earn a roster bid over Neal.
You would think that Neal's disastrous Giants career would be more than enough to scare any other NFL team away from giving him another chance, but the Raiders sold themselves on his upside.
Las Vegas had one of the worst offensive lines in the league last season. They've spent much of their offseason trying to rebuild the unit in hopes of better supporting rookie quarterback Fernando Mendoza.
Still, it's a relatively thin unit. If one of their linemen goes down, Neal could quickly be promoted to the 53-man roster. Raiders fans should hope that they never see the former Giants draft bust take the field in 2026. If he does, they'll quickly find out why New York had no problems letting him leave.
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