Giants Face Tough Decision on Evan Neal: Is the 2022 First-Round Pick’s Time Up in New York?
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Evan Neal, the Giants’ 2022 first-round pick (seventh overall), has yet to meet expectations in three NFL seasons. Drafted to strengthen the offensive line, he quickly became a liability. In his rookie year, he led the league in penalties (15) and ranked among the worst pass-blockers per Pro Football Focus. His issues persisted in 2023 with a broken foot injury and public disputes with fans. A positional shift to Guard in 2024 also failed to produce consistent results, with limited playing time (13 games).
Contract Challenges and Financial Realities
Neal’s $24.55M four-year deal, fully guaranteed at signing, complicates the Giants’ roster decisions. Cutting him before June 1, 2025, would save $4.05M in cap space but cost $7.81M in dead money. With an estimated $41–$49M cap space for 2025, the team could absorb this but prioritize other upgrades. Trading him after June 1 might yield $2.94M in savings with reduced dead money implications.
Coaching Staff’s Uncertainty
New offensive line coach Carmen Bricillo has not committed to Neal as a starter. While the Giants emphasize positional flexibility, Neal’s best chance lies at guard—a role he struggled with in the NFL despite college experience. The team’s 2024 draft of tackle Jermaine Eluemunor and focus on line depth further signal openness to moving on.
Historical Precedents
The Giants’ dilemma mirrors past NFL struggles with high-drafted linemen. Examples include the Raiders cutting Clelin Ferrell (2019 first-rounder) after three seasons and the Jets releasing Mekhi Becton (2023). Neal’s stagnation and off-field issues align with these cautionary tales.
Conclusion and Future Outlook
Evan Neal’s Giants tenure appears near its end. Despite his draft pedigree, his inability to stabilize the offensive line and the team’s rebuilding needs make a move inevitable. Options include release, trade, or a last-ditch positional shift. A fresh start elsewhere may be his only path to career redemption. For the Giants, using the 2025 draft (holding third overall pick) to address offensive line needs while parting ways with Neal could accelerate their rebuild.
