The resignation of Wink Martindale as the New York Giants’ defensive coordinator will send a ripple effect throughout the locker room and the organization.
The Giants have a roster full of young players, especially on defense, who have made great strides under Martindale and his staff.
Cornerback Deonte Banks, the team’s 2023 first-round selection, is one player who will now have his NFL development curve disrupted, as will other young players such as outside linebacker Kayvon Thibodeaux, cornerback Tre Hawkins III, linebacker Micah McFadden and safety Dane Belton.
All have to learn a new system come the 2024 season.
And what does Martindale’s departure mean for impending free agents, such as safety Xavier McKinney and any outside free agents the Giants might want to bring in?
Players enjoyed playing un Martindale’s scheme, and they respected him to a man. Now that he’s gone, whoever takes over will have big shoes to fill.
That leads us to the further question. Now that it is known that the friction between him and head coach Brian Daboll was the likely cause of Martindale leaving, how much respect will the remaining defensive players have for Daboll, who made a mockery of Martindale on Monday?
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