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Latest On Job Security For Giants HC Brian Daboll, GM Joe Schoen

October 30th, 2024 at 7:01pm CST by Ben Levine

Giants owner John Mara recently gave a vote of confidence to his HC/GM tandem. Unsurprisingly, many NFL executives aren’t buying the public support. As Dianna Russini of The Athletic writes, sources around the league aren’t buying the job security of head coach Brian Daboll and GM Joe Schoen.

[RELATED: Giants Owner Doesn’t Anticipate HC/GM Changes]

Part of the skepticism is based on precedence. Since Tom Coughlin‘s departure, the Giants have employed four head coaches in eight-plus seasons (not including 2017 fill-in Steve Spagnuolo). While Mara intended to be patient with his Buffalo imports, he clearly isn’t immune from reactionary decisions.

Plus, things could get much, much worse for the Giants between now and the end of the season. Russini points to last year’s saga in Tennessee, where head coach Mike Vrabel was deemed safe as late as Thanksgiving. The organization’s decision makers were adamant that Vrabel was a key member of the Titans…before firing him less than two months later. The Giants have already added another L to the loss column since last week’s report, and a continued lack of progression could change Mara’s mind.

More interestingly, sources are also skeptical about the duo’s long-term job security considering the organization’s alternative options…specifically a future Hall of Fame coach who is currently without a HC job. As Russini writes, it’s a “well-known secret around the league” that Mara is a fan of former Patriots coach Bill Belichick, and some NFL sources wonder if the owner could resist if Belichick later shows interest in the New York gig.

Mike Florio of ProFootballTalk.com takes it a step further, with the pundit believing Belichick is using his current media gigs to force his way into possible destinations. Florio points to Belichick’s recent remarks that questioned Schoen’s decision to let Saquon Barkley walk in free agency. If Belichick is interested in the Giants job and wants the “power to which he’s accustomed,” he would need Mara to make “a clean sweep” of the team’s leadership.

Daboll and Schoen could end up guiding the Giants to some kind of success in 2024, which would surely cool their hot seat. However, until Belichick lands a gig elsewhere, the duo won’t have 100-percent job security.

NFL Practice Squad Updates: 10/29/24

October 29th, 2024 at 8:13pm CST by Nikhil Mehta

Here are the most recent practice squad transactions from around the NFL:

Arizona Cardinals

Carolina Panthers

Chicago Bears

Indianapolis Colts

Los Angeles Chargers

Miami Dolphins

Minnesota Vikings

New England Patriots

New Orleans Saints

New York Giants

Philadelphia Eagles

Pittsburgh Steelers

Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Tennessee Titans

Washington Commanders

The Vikings cut Gaskin from their active roster on Tuesday, but as a vested veteran, he did not need to pass through waivers before re-signing to Minnesota’s practice squad. Gaskin played in the Vikings’ first five games this season, but has not appeared since October 6. His familiarity with the offense could lead to activations from the practice squad if Minnesota needs running back depth.

Herndon will join the Saints after playing in Jacksonville for six seasons, with 83 total appearances and 34 starts for the Jaguars since 2018. The veteran cornerback only started five games over the last two years, but played in 15 games for almost 900 snaps as a rotational member of the Jaguars’ secondary. His experience could lead to quick elevations from the practice squad once he learns the Saints’ defense.

The Commander signed the 30-year-old Hart to give them more depth at offensive tackle. The veteran has 67 starts and 98 total appearances over his eight-year career, though he hasn’t played in the NFL since a 2022 stint with the Bills.

Giants Setting High Prices On Darius Slayton, Azeez Ojulari

October 29th, 2024 at 12:30pm CST by Sam Robinson

Dropping to 2-6 Monday night, the Giants have the look of a seller at yet another trade deadline. Though, the team’s two clear trade chips may not be too easy to acquire.

The Giants have swatted away Darius Slayton trade rumors this summer, but they did not agree to a major contract adjustment despite the sixth-year wide receiver’s push for one this offseason. Slayton remains in a walk year and would not be expensive to acquire, based on barely $1MM remaining in 2024 base salary. Azeez Ojulari has also come up as a trade candidate, with teams undoubtedly monitoring the contract-year edge rusher on a contract-year tear. Ojulari is tied to a second-round rookie deal.

New York has completed some notable seller’s trades at recent deadlines, and a route back to the playoffs will be difficult to complete. A week away from the deadline, however, NFL.com’s Mike Garafolo writes the Giants would need to be “blown away” by an offer to obtain either Slayton or Ojulari.

Although the Giants do not appear prepared to merely take what they can get for the dependable wideout and resurgent edge rusher, it would stand to reason both players are available at a price. Slayton is playing out a two-year, $12MM deal and, after leading the Giants in receiving yardage four times since his 2019 rookie year, the longtime Daniel Jones target would appeal to clubs who have suffered injuries at receiver or contenders who could simply use a WR2 upgrade. He has 29 receptions for 420 yards this season. Yet to post an 800-plus-yard slate, Slayton is on pace for a career-best season.

Ojulari, who registered eight sacks as a rookie but had been less productive over the past two seasons, supplied solid pressure in the Giants’ loss to the Steelers to run his sack count to six. That has helped the Giants lead the NFL with 35 despite losing Kayvon Thibodeaux to a wrist injury. Thibodeaux, however, is expected to come off IR — being first eligible to do so next week — and return Ojulari to a rotational role in a now-Brian Burns-fronted OLB corps. With Burns on a megadeal and Thibodeaux in play to stay on his rookie pact through 2026 via the fifth-year option, the Giants may not be able to afford to re-sign Ojulari.

The Giants will need to weigh the offers that come in now against what could potentially be had in terms of 2026 compensatory picks — depending on how active the team is during the 2025 free agency period — next year. Though, a trade would help bolster the the team’s 2025 draft arsenal. Waiting for 2026 picks may not be of interest to Joe Schoen, who is on the hot seat. John Mara‘s recent vote of confidence notwithstanding, the third-year Giants GM may not be overly interested in trades that weaken his 2024 roster, either.

A Giants loss to the NFC East-leading Commanders in Week 9 would drop them to 2-7, and it would be difficult for teams to believe they won’t sell at that point. Based on where the team resides in the standings and the contract-year statuses of the trade chips, Slayton and Ojulari will be two will be key names to monitor ahead of the Nov. 5 deadline.

Minor NFL Transactions: 10/28/24

October 28th, 2024 at 7:13pm CST by Ben Levine

Today’s minor moves:

Dallas Cowboys

Indianapolis Colts

New York Giants

Pittsburgh Steelers

Tennessee Titans

Cowboys defensive lineman Sam Williams has already been ruled out for the 2024 season thanks to a torn ACL, and now he’s been slapped with a three-game suspension for violating the NFL’s Personal Conduct Policy (via Clarence Hill Jr. of the Fort Worth Star-Telegram). The unpaid suspension went to effect prior to Week 8, and the player will be eligible for reinstatement prior to Week 11. The punishment stems from Williams’ reckless driving charge from 2023.

The Colts lost a key special teamer for the season in Trevor Denbow, as Joel A. Erickson of the Indy Star reports that the player suffered “injuries to multiple ligaments and cartilage” during yesterday’s game. Denbow has appeared in 65 percent of his team’s ST snaps over the past two seasons, and he’s been limited to only six defensive snaps over that time.

2024 NFL Cap Space, By Team

October 27th, 2024 at 7:11pm CST by Adam La Rose

With the trade deadline nearing, more player movement can be expected during the coming days. Of course, a key factor in any deals will be the financial situation for contenders aiming to bolster their rosters for the second half of the campaign.

Courtesy of Over the Cap, here is an updated look at each teams’ cap space:

  1. San Francisco 49ers: $54.13MM
  2. Cleveland Browns: $45.16MM
  3. New England Patriots: $36.61MM
  4. Las Vegas Raiders: $34.59MM
  5. Detroit Lions: $27.53MM
  6. Washington Commanders: $23.44MM
  7. Dallas Cowboys: $20.75MM
  8. Arizona Cardinals: $19.44MM
  9. Tennessee Titans: $18.26MM
  10. Jacksonville Jaguars: $17.12MM
  11. Green Bay Packers: $13.96MM
  12. Indianapolis Colts: $11.11MM
  13. Philadelphia Eagles: $10.36MM
  14. Minnesota Vikings: $9.48MM
  15. Cincinnati Bengals: $8.98MM
  16. Pittsburgh Steelers: $8.93MM
  17. Seattle Seahawks: $8.19MM
  18. Atlanta Falcons: $8.16MM
  19. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: $7.83MM
  20. Los Angeles Chargers: $7.72MM
  21. Chicago Bears: $6.14MM
  22. Houston Texans: $6.01MM
  23. New York Jets: $5.1MM
  24. Miami Dolphins: $5.02MM
  25. Baltimore Ravens: $4.36MM
  26. Buffalo Bills: $2.37MM
  27. Kansas City Chiefs: $2.35MM
  28. New Orleans Saints: $2.15MM
  29. Los Angeles Rams: $1.91MM
  30. Denver Broncos: $1.77MM
  31. New York Giants: $1.51MM
  32. Carolina Panthers: $1.12MM

Just like last year, the 49ers find themselves with considerable cap space to work with. The team has several reasons to roll over as many funds as possible into the offseason, however, with Brock Purdy eligible for an extension and the likes of Charvarius Ward, Deommodore Lenoir and Talanoa Hufanga on track for free agency. Major investments including a commitment beyond 2024 would thus come as a surprise.

San Francisco is among the teams to watch regarding an addition, and major injuries on both sides of the ball could lead to a stop-gap solution being targeted. The 49ers may also be open to moving away players before the deadline, though, with Ward being named as potential candidate to be dealt. Sitting at 3-4, the team’s bid to return to the Super Bowl has not gone as planned to date, but a notable midseason addition could certainly change things.

Having lost Aidan Hutchinson until at least the Super Bowl, the Lions have an obvious need along the edge. Replacing his production with any one addition will not be feasible, but bringing in at least a rotational option would not come as a surprise. Indeed, Detroit has been involved in the edge market with respect to showing interest in some of the veterans who could be on the move.

That list no longer includes Haason Reddick, but the Lions have also been connected to Za’Darius Smith. The Browns have already moved Amari Cooper, so it would come as little surprise if the team were to deal away the three-time Pro Bowler in a move which would allow him to return to the NFC North. Smith certainly seems to be open to a trade, and Detroit would easily be able to absorb the remainder of his $1.2MM 2024 salary.

While Smith could be on the move, fellow Cleveland edge rusher Myles Garrett is (understandably) seen as untouchable. That is also the case for Raiders start Maxx Crosby, with owner Mark Davis making it clear a trade will not be considered before or after the deadline. Even though the Titans have been active already on the trade front, they too will not entertain a deal involving two-time Pro Bowl defensive lineman Jeffery Simmons. While talks have taken place related to Cooper Kupp, the Rams do not expect to move on from the former Super Bowl MVP.

The receiver position remains one to watch even with Davante Adams (Jets), Cooper (Bills) and DeAndre Hopkins (Chiefs) already joining new teams. As the Panthers consider selling off pending free agents, Diontae Johnson could be available for a mid-round pick. In the case of the Jaguars, Christian Kirk is still a candidate to be dealt (although he is not a pending free agent). Teams like the Steelers and Chargers have yet to add a pass-catcher, but they have shown interest and could pull off a move in the coming days.

Giants Host LT D.J. Humphries

October 24th, 2024 at 12:06pm CST by Adam La Rose

OCTOBER 24: Daboll said on Thursday (via Pat Leonard of the New York Daily News) no agreement is imminent between Humphries and the Giants. Ezeudu is set to take first-team left tackle reps in practice again today, meanwhile, suggesting he will in fact handle starting duties on the blindside once more in Week 8.

OCTOBER 22: The Giants continue to search for a stop-gap solution at the left tackle spot in the wake of losing Andrew Thomas. New York is set to host D.J. Humphries on a free agent visit today, per ESPN’s Adam Schefter.

[RELATED: Giants Still Committed To Daniel Jones As Starting QB]

Thomas will miss the remainder of the season due to a foot injury, and his absence was acutely felt in Week 7. The Giants gave up eight sacks in a blowout loss to the Eagles, with Joshua Ezeudu struggling in Thomas’ place. Head coach Brian Daboll did not commit to Ezeudu as New York’s blindside blocker moving forward (h/t Dan Duggan of The Athletic), which opened the door to other options being explored.

Humphries suffered an ACL tear late last season, making him a longshot to be healthy in time for the start of the 2024 campaign. After eight years and 98 starts with Arizona, the 30-year-old was released in March. The Cardinals used 2023 sixth overall pick Paris Johnson Jr. at right tackle during his rookie campaign, but moving on from Humphries allowed the team to switch him to the blindside. Last month, general manager Monti Ossenfort said a reunion with Humphries could be possible.

Today’s news means outside interest exists as well, though. At a minimum, the former first-rounder is clearly making progress in his recovery, and if healthy he could handle left tackle duties for the Giants as they look to find stability up front. The former Pro Bowler’s best season in terms of PFF evaluation came in 2020; he has not managed to repeat that 88.3 overall mark since, but he could offer capable play to finish out the season. Doing so would not set Humphries up as a long-term Thomas replacement, but it would of course boost his free agent value.

The Giants have Jermaine Eluemunor as an option to flip from right to left tackle, something he has done in the past. Doing so would create a starting RT vacancy which recent addition Chris Hubbard could fill; the same is true of 2022 first-rounder Evan Neal. As Duggan notes, though, the latter did not see action in mop-up duty once the offensive starters were pulled on Sunday. That suggests Neal is not in the team’s plans for a first-team (or even top backup) gig any time soon. Especially if another veteran were to be signed from outside the organization, Neal would face the threat of falling further down the tackle depth chart.

With roughly $2.9MM in cap space, New York could afford a modest deal for Humphries or another option at the left tackle spot. The Florida product has been attached an eight-figure AAV on each of his last two contracts, but whether it comes from the Giants or another team his next pact will of course be much smaller in value.

Giants Owner Doesn’t Anticipate HC/GM Changes

October 23rd, 2024 at 8:48pm CST by Ben Levine

With the Giants sitting at 2-5 and cruising toward another lost season, there’s naturally been speculation surrounding the job status of head coach Brian Daboll and GM Joe Schoen. The duo got a surprising vote of confidence from owner John Mara this evening. While attending a showing of NFL Network’s “The Duke: Wellington Mara’s Giant Life,” Mara told reporters (including NFL.com’s Judy Battista) that he expects to keep his HC/GM tandem through the 2024 campaign and into the 2025 season.

“Obviously we’re all very disappointed with where we are right now,” Mara said (via Pat Leonard of NY Daily News). “But I’m gonna say one thing: we are not making any changes this season. And I do not anticipate making any changes in the offseason, either.”

Mara brought Schoen and Daboll over from Buffalo in 2022. They ended up squeezing out one of Daniel Jones‘ most productive seasons, and the duo helped guide the Giants to their first playoff appearance since 2016. Things didn’t go nearly as well in 2023, with the team falling to 6-11. Jones was limited to only six games, although the Giants were 5-6 with Tommy DeVito and Tyrod Taylor at quarterback.

The Giants have continued to stick with Jones in 2024, and the results have generally been underwhelming. The team did win two of three games between Week 3 and Week 5, but they followed that up by getting outscored 10-45 in their last two contests (including Sunday’s loss to the Eagles when former star Saquon Barkley collected more than 180 total yards). Tensions have naturally started to rise in New York, and precedent would usually point to the top decision makers being a bit reactionary.

Since Tom Coughlin‘s departure, the Giants have employed four head coaches in eight-plus seasons (not including 2017 fill-in Steve Spagnuolo). Mara previously stated a desire to be more patient with his current regime, and that appears to be his approach with Daboll and Schoen. Notably, Mara wouldn’t commit to Jones beyond the 2024 season. Assuming the HC/GM hitch their wagon to a rookie QB in 2025, Ryan Dunleavy of the New York Post believes the duo would probably have job security through the 2026 campaign.

On the flip side, it’s only Week 8, so expect plenty of skepticism to surround Mara’s comments. The owner can probably be confident that he won’t make any changes during the 2024 season, but it may be a bit premature to definitively give Daboll and Schoen a full commitment for 2025.

Teams Expected To Pursue Azeez Ojulari In Trades; Giants OLB Drew Offseason Interest

October 23rd, 2024 at 4:18pm CST by Sam Robinson

The Giants’ Brian Burns trade made their future at outside linebacker fairly clear. Burns landed a top-market extension upon being dealt to New York, and he has formed a quality tandem with Kayvon Thibodeaux, whose rookie contract can run through 2026 via the fifth-year option.

Other clubs have noticed the Giants’ plan, which has led to conversations about Thibodeaux’s current fill-in. Drafted during Dave Gettleman‘s final offseason in charge, Azeez Ojulari is having an intriguing contract year. With Thibodeaux likely to be back from a wrist injury in November, NFL.com’s Ian Rapoport indicates teams are expected to reach out to the Giants about their OLB3’s availability.

Clubs have already done some background work on Ojulari, a former second-round pick. Teams showed interest in Ojulari in August, ESPN.com’s Jeremy Fowler notes. With nearly two weeks remaining until the deadline, interest in the fourth-year pass rusher should pick up, as the Georgia product has put together a bounce-back start.

The Giants have seen their top rotational rusher fill in for Thibodeaux well, recording three sacks over the past two games as a starter. Thibodeaux only needs to miss two more contests; the former top-five pick returning would shuttle Ojulari back to a bench role. The Giants may not be too keen on selling just yet, as Ojulari is a key role player who is starting during a pivotal stretch for the struggling team. But New York is now 2-5 and coming off a one-sided (thanks largely to Saquon Barkley) defeat against Philadelphia. Calls about Giant players figure to pick up soon.

Ojulari, 24, showed plus pass-rushing form as a rookie, racking up eight sacks. The Gettleman years had not seen much in the way of investments on the edge until the Ojulari pick, with Joe Schoen‘s predecessor having dealt away Jason Pierre-Paul and Olivier Vernon and not allocated much in the way of resources to replace them. Ojulari compiled 13.5 sacks over his first two seasons, reaching 5.5 in just seven games in 2022. But he totaled only 2.5 in 11 games last season, the second straight campaign that featured an Ojulari IR stint. The former No. 50 overall pick missed 16 games between the 2022 and ’23 seasons, partially pushing the Giants to upgrade via Burns.

Dexter Lawrence is the Giants’ runaway sack leader, with nine; the last part of the 2019 Odell Beckham Jr. trade still in place is certainly untouchable. Burns joins Ojulari with four, as the Giants — for all their issues elsewhere on the roster — have improved their pass rush. The Giants’ 31 sacks pace the NFL by three.

Should New York’s descent continue up until the Nov. 5 deadline, the team will likely consider dealing away pieces. Darius Slayton also figures to draw interest, having gone through a contract issue this offseason — one that concluded with only incentives added to a through-2024 deal. The Giants will need to weigh offers, but if Ojulari keeps up this pace, he will likely price himself out of the team’s post-2024 plans in free agency. Weighing a return now against a 2026 compensatory pick — for a GM who may be moving toward the hot seat — will be part of the Giants’ process as well.

Minor NFL Transactions: 10/22/24

October 22nd, 2024 at 8:26pm CST by Nikhil Mehta

Here are today’s minor moves from around the NFL:

Baltimore Ravens

Carolina Panthers

Detroit Lions

Houston Texans

Kansas City Chiefs

Los Angeles Chargers

Los Angeles Rams

Minnesota Vikings

New York Giants

Pittsburgh Steelers

Washington Commanders

The Ravens finally activated Maulet to the 53-man roster at the very end of his 21-day return window. The veteran slot cornerback underwent arthroscopic knee surgery during the preseason, but dealt with a minor hamstring injury upon his return to practice. To make room, Baltimore waived Ross, a special teams starter, likely hoping to add him back to the practice squad if he clears waivers. Maulet’s return could not be coming at a better time for a Ravens pass defense that was already struggling before starting cornerback Marlon Humphrey left Monday night’s victory over the Buccaneers with an injury.

 

The Panthers signed Gill off the Lions’ practice squad and Harris off the Dolphins’ practice squad to fortify their defense on Tuesday. They also released Haynes and waived Wooten and Smith as part of an overhaul of their weak front seven.

 

The Giants signed Watts from their practice squad to strengthen the interior of their defensive line while waiving Basham, a former Bills second-round pick who arrived in New York via trade in August 2023. Giants general manager Joe Schoen was the assistant GM in Buffalo when Basham was drafted, while Giants head coach Brian Daboll was the Bills’ offensive coordinator. Schoen traded a sixth-round pick in exchange for Basham and a seventh-rounder from the Bills just before the 2023 regular season, but Basham did not record a single sack in 13 games as a Giant.

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