Giants have several options to clear additional cap space

The New York Giants will have an abundance of salary cap space in 2020, but they also have several options to create even more.

The 2019-202 NFL season is winding down with Super Bowl LIV taking place in Miami this coming Sunday, but for front offices around the league, it’s just the beginning of the tedious offseason process.

On February 3, the day after the Super Bowl, the waiver system kicks in for the 2020 season. The Giants will have the fourth pick in any waiver situation.

That will be followed by the NFL Scouting Combine from February 25 – March 3. The league year ends at 4:00 p.m. on March 18.

Between now and then, teams will be seeking to cut loose some of their overpaid, underachieving veterans. Teams will abide by the waiver system should they want to claim any of them but more importantly, it is the last opportunity for teams to get as lean as they can before free agency begins on March 18.

What does that mean for the Giants?

Well, their salary cap situation is fairly fluid and flush. They have approximately $61 million in cap space to play with this offseason and could have more should they decide to cut a few veterans.

But who those players could be are questionable. The Giants only have four players with cap hits over $10 million: left tackle Nate Solder ($19.5 million), right guard Kevin Zeitler ($12.5 million), linebacker Alec Ogletree ($11.75 million) and wide receiver Golden Tate ($10.5 million).

Solder is locked in for 2020 due to the dead cap hit of $13 million, so he’s out. The Giants just restructured Zeitler last year. He is entering the second year of a three-year deal, plus the Giants have no intention of letting him go under any circumstances.

Ogletree is a possibility. He has a dead cap charge of just $3.5 million and the team could clear approximately $8 million by releasing him.

It doesn’t make any sense to touch Tate. He’s only in Year 2 of a four-year deal and is a valuable piece of the Giants’ offense for two reasons. First, he’s integral to the further development of quarterback Daniel Jones and second, in light of the concussions suffered by Sterling Shepard last year, Tate could be leaned on more heavily going forward.

Other candidates for release are tight end Rhett Ellison and linebacker Kareem Martin.

Ellison’s 2020 cap hit is $7.188 million with a dead cap charge of $2.188 million, which would equate to a cap savings of $5 million should they cut him. Ellison missed the final six games of the 2019 season with a concussion and was spelled by rookie Kaden Smith, who showed promise.

Martin spent most of the season on IR with a sprained knee and has had very little impact since being signed to a three-year, $15 million deal before the 2018 season as the player who would help new defensive coordinator James Bettcher install his scheme. It never really worked out. The Giants can save $4.8 million by cutting Martin.

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Giants’ Mike Remmers, two tight ends out vs. Eagles

The New York Giants will be without RT Mike Remmers (concussion) and two tight ends on Sunday against the Philadelphia Eagles.

The New York Giants will be without starting right tackle Mike Remmers (concussion) on Sunday against the Philadelphia Eagles, meaning reserve offensive lineman Nick Gates (shoulder), who is also a little banged up, will earn another start.

In addition to Remmers, tight ends Rhett Ellison and Scott Simonson were unable to clear concussion protocol in time to receive the green light and have also officially been ruled out.

With Simonson out, it would make sense for the Giants to promote Garrett Dickerson off of their practice squad. Kaden Smith will, of course, draw the start.

Meanwhile, the Giants could also be exceptionally thin in their already weak secondary as cornerbacks Sam Beal (shoulder) and Corey Ballentine (back) are listed as questionable.

Veteran linebacker Alec Ogletree (back), who was unable to play last week after injuring his back pre-game, is also listed as questionable.

Linebacker Lorenzo Carter (knee) and wide receiver Darius Slayton (knee) did not receive an official designation and are expected to play in Week 17.

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Giants injury report: Mike Remmers, Corey Ballentine not practicing

New York Giants RT Mike Remmers and rookie CB Corey Ballentine were not practicing on Thursday.

The New York Giants returned to East Rutherford on Thursday after a short holiday break, and got right back to practice as they prepare for a season-ending showdown with the Philadelphia Eagles.

The team released a projected injury report on Wednesday that did not reflect well, listing four players as “did not participate” and another four as “limited participant.”

Things were a bit more encouraging on Thursday as only two players — right tackle Mike Remmers (concussion) and cornerback Corey Ballentine (back) — were not participating during the portion of practice open to the media.

Linebackers Alec Ogletree (back) and Lorenzo Carter (knee) were warming up, but may turn out to be limited. Additionally, rookie cornerback DeAndre Backer (knee) and tight end Scott Simonson (concussion) were added to the injury report.

The official injury report with designations released by the Giants can be found below:

Did not participate: RT Mike Remmers (concussion), CB Corey Ballentine (back)

Limited participant: CB DeAndre Baker (knee), CB Sam Beal (shoulder), LB Lorenzo Carter (knee), TE Rhett Ellison (concussion), OL Nick Gates (shoulder), LB Alec Ogletree (back), TE Scott Simonson (concussion), WR Darius Slayton (knee)

Full participant: N/A

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Giants injury report: Mike Remmers, seven others banged up

The New York Giants released a projected injury report on Wednesday and eight players were listed, including RT Mike Remmers.

The New York Giants held a walkthrough that was not open to the media on Tuesday, giving players and coaches the day off on Christmas Day instead.

Not so for us reporters.

Despite the building in East Rutherford being empty, the Giants released a projected Wednesday injury report, summoning those of us who cover the team back to our tablets and laptops.

Unfortunately for the Giants, said injury report was not very merry with eight players listed in total, four of whom were projected non-participants.

Among them was right tackle Mike Remmers, who left a Week 16 win over the Washington Redskins with a concussion, and linebacker Alec Ogletree, who suffered back injury before even taking the field last Sunday.

Additionally, rookie cornerback Corey Ballentine is now listed with a back injury, while linebacker Lorenzo Carter, who had a career day against the Skins, was also added to the injury report with a knee injury.

Four others were projected as limited, including reserve offensive lineman Nick Gates, who is listed with a shoulder injury.

The entire projected injury report released by the Giants can be found below:

Did not participate: CB Corey Ballentine (back), OT Mike Remmers (concussion), LB Alec Ogletree (back) and LB Lorenzo Carter (knee).

Limited participant: OL Nick Gates (shoulder), TE Rhett Ellison (concussion/non-contact), CB Sam Beal (shoulder) and WR Darius Slayton (knee).

Full participant: N/A

The Giants will return to practice on Thursday ahead of a Week 17 matchup with the Philadelphia Eagles at MetLife Stadium.

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Giants lost several players to injury in Week 16 victory over Redskins

The New York Giants lost several key players to injury during a Week 16 overtime victory over the Washington Redskins.

The New York Giants sustained a few injuries in their exciting 41-35 victory over the Washington Redskins at FedEx Field on Sunday.

Right tackle Mike Remmers sustained a concussion in the first half and did not return. He was replaced by Nick Gates.

Inside linebacker Alec Ogletree exited the game on the first defensive series with a back injury and also did not return.

Wide receiver Darius Slayton left the game with a knee injury in the first half but returned in the fourth quarter. He did not have a catch in the game.

Several other players were temporarily knocked out of the game but returned. Cornerback DeAndre Baker left the game with a knee. Cornerback Sam Beal was diagnosed with a neck injury.

Giants head coach Pat Shurmur did not elaborate on any of the injuries during his post-game press conference, but will likely provide additional detail during his Monday afternoon conference call.

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Stock up, down after Giants’ 36-20 victory over Dolphins

Whose stock is up and whose is down following the New York Giants’ victory over the Miami Dolphins in Week 15?

On Sunday, the New York Giants didn’t leave MetLife Stadium with a loss. Instead, they left with a victory. The losing streak ended at nine, as the Giants won 36-20 against the Miami Dolphins.

For the first time since Week 4 against the Washington Redskins, the Giants got a victory. Since late September, the Giants were in the midst of some awful football and a lot of losing.

But for at least one Sunday, there was no talk of a losing streak, no talk of coaches and a general manager getting fired. Instead, it was all about a victory. A much-needed victory — one that many will remember for a long time because of everything that surrounded it.

Whose stock was up and down after the Giants victory on Sunday against the Dolphins?

Stock up: Eli Manning

Nobody cares that Manning threw three picks in this game. Nobody.

What people will care about were the two touchdown passes, the victory and what came with about a minute to go when he left the game to one of the loudest ovations in MetLife Stadium history.

Then leaving the field as the triumphant hero and everyone chanting his name. Whether he plays again in the final two games remains to be seen.

Today, it was all about Eli Manning and how he left as the historic hero for the Giants who is all but Hall of Fame bound.

Stock down: Nate Solder

If it didn’t cost the Giants $13 million in a dead cap hit to release Solder, it would make so much sense to cut him.

Solder is still struggling and it shows. Maybe he needs to move to right tackle after the season, and who knows if he is even up for that move.

Granted, he’s dealing with so much off the field and as a human being, he’s tougher than anyone could ever imagine. But the struggles are still there, and Solder still needs to put forth a professional effort as the left tackle.

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Giants drop Dolphins: Winners, losers and those in between

The New York Giants defeated the Miami Dolphins in what may be Eli Manning’s final game. Here’s a look at the winners and losers.

In what may be Eli Manning’s final start as a member of the New York Giants, the team came up big and managed to get him a victory — Manning’s first win in over a calendar year and the team’s first win since Week 4.

It was ugly early on, but then the Giants began to roll and never looked back. There were some issues here and there, but all things considered, it was the team’s most well-rounded game all season.

Here’s a quick look at the winners and losers from Week 14:

Winners

David Mayo: On a team — and specifically a defense — that does very little right, Mayo has been a pleasant and unexpected surprise. Yes, he’s been up-and-down at times and even had a few hiccups on Sunday, but overall he’s a very sound player who steps up and makes big plays at crucial times. It’s a shame his teammates actually drag down his play.

Saquon Barkley: Finally. Finally. Finally. Barkley had not had a 100-yard game since Week 2 and had not reached the endzone since Week 7. Both of those streaks ended with what was arguably Barkley’s best performance of the season. He finished the day with 112 yards on 24 carries, 31 yards on four receptions and two touchdowns.

Darius Slayton: Slayton didn’t put up huge numbers, but he came up big in a few big plays in key spots. He finished the game with two receptions for 31 yards and his eighth touchdown of the season.

Riley Dixon: Worth. Every. Penny.

Others: Dalvin Tomlinson, Leonard Williams, Michael Thomas

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Giants, Eli Manning snap historic losing streak, defeat Dolphins, 36-20

The New York Giants snapped their franchise-worst losing streak, getting Eli Manning a victory in what may be his final ever game.

The New York Giants and Miami Dolphins were hardly billed as must-watch football leading up to their Week 15 battle at MetLife Stadium, and they fully lived up down to those expectations on Sunday.

The first quarter was relatively tame, uneventful and, admittedly, downright boring at times. Neither offense could really get anything going, while sloppy play dominated throughout.

The Dolphins did have an opportunity to go up early, but kicker Jason Sanders was unable to connect on a 49-yard field goal in windy conditions.

Things picked up a bit in the second quarter as each team got their offense moving and the defenses began to get more physical. Still, the play was hardly anything to write home about.

Miami got on the board first, recovering from a failed fourth-down conversion on their previous series to drive the ball an impressive 89 yards on nine plays, capping things off with a 20-yard touchdown pass from quarterback Ryan Fitzpatrick to wide receiver DeVante Parker.

The Giants immediately answered back in a big way, driving the ball 75 yards on just three plays, concluding with a 51-yard touchdown pass from quarterback Eli Manning to wide receiver Golden Tate, who did an excellent job fighting through a pass interference and staying with a ball that was bobbled.

After forcing the Dolphins to a quick punt, the Giants had an opportunity to execute a two-minute drive, but Manning inexplicably threw an interception into the waiting arms of linebacker Vince Biegel.

The Dolphins wouldn’t let that opportunity go to waste, connecting on a 24-yard field goal with just :44 remaining in the first half.

New York did little with what time remained, gaining short yardage on consecutive plays before Manning tossed a long pass incomplete along the sideline and then tossed another pick out of desperation, leaving the Giants with a 10-7 halftime deficit.

Opening the second half, the Giants came out on fire, taking the opening kickoff and driving the ball 70 yards and six incredibly effective plays, including a five-yard touchdown pass from Manning to rookie wide receiver Darius Slayton to give Big Blue a 14-10 lead.

On the ensuing series, linebacker Alec Ogletree and defensive lineman Leonard Williams went head-to-head with Fitzpatrick, who was attempting a third-down scramble for a first down, but the ball was punched loose and recovered by the Giants.

Not to be outdone, Manning promptly tossed his third interception of the day, immediately giving Miami the ball back and taking near-guaranteed points off the board.

Unlike the Giants, the Dolphins were able to capitalize on the turnover, connecting on a 47-yard Sanders field goal after 22 yards on five plays.

The Giants offense would again sputter after getting the ball back, but their special teams and defense apparently came to play. And following a beautiful booming punt by Riley Dixon and a series of penalties that downed the ball inside the one-yard-line, cornerback Sam Beal came up with a huge play, bringing running back Patrick Laird down in the endzone for a safety.

With yet another opportunity and solid field position following the post-safety drop-kick, the Giants offense would not be denied again. It took just three plays to drive 40 yards, highlighted by a 24-yard pass and catch from Manning to wide receiver Sterling Shepard, before running back Saquon Barkley plunged in for a touchdown from one-yard out, giving Big Blue a 23-13 lead.

After forcing Miami to a quick three-and-out, the Giants had the ball back and were in a position to put the game away — a precarious position for the team at other times in recent season. This time, however? The pedal went to the metal.

Turning the offense up to 100, Manning & Co. drove 66 yards on eight plays and made it look remarkably easier — easier than it’s been all season. That was additionally evident as Barkley casually walked in from 10 yards out to put the Giants up 30-13 in the fourth quarter.

After exchanging a series of punts and having the Dolphins turn the ball over on downs, the Giants put the icing on the cake with a five-play, 55-yard drive that culminated with a one-yard touchdown run courtesy of Buck Allen. However, kicker Aldrick Rosas missed the PAT, leaving the score at 36-13.

With under 2:00 remaining, Miami got back on the board with a 29-yard touchdown pass from Fitzpatrick to Parker, but by that time, it was too late to rally.

The game essentially came to a close with Eli Manning being removed from the field to a rousing standing ovation and chants of, “Eli Manning! Eli Manning!”

With the win, the Giants improve to 3-11 on the season. They will travel to D.C. to take on the Washington Redskins in Week 16.

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Giants players feel the sting of Janoris Jenkins’ release

New York Giants players feel the sting of Janoris Jenkins’ release and some aren’t interesting in discussing it.

The New York Giants parted ways with veteran cornerback Janoris Jenkins on Friday, waiving him after what some perceived to be a lacking apology over the use of a derogatory term on Twitter.

For some of Jenkins’ young teammates, his release came with both shock and sadness.

“Rabbit was more like a coach than just a teammate,” sophomore cornerback Sam Beal told the New York Daily News. “He didn’t have to stand there and coach me up as a rookie at practice. He didn’t have to tell me to sit by him at meetings, but he did. He made me come over in the meeting room and sit by him just because he’d coach me up.

“[His release] was tough for me. I ain’t gonna lie.”

Veteran safety Michael Thomas expressed a disappointment in the situation, but noted that Jenkins’ release “resonates” in the locker room.

“Oh yeah, always,” Thomas said. “Whenever you see moves like that, it always resonates. It’s unfortunate it happened, but now that it’s happened, guys see it and have got to be ready to move on. We wish the best for Rabbit.”

A solemn Alec Ogletree was at a loss for words over the situation, just telling reporters that he “hates” what happened.

“We all love Rabbit,” Ogletree said, via NJ Advance Media. “And have a lot of respect for what he does. [You] hate to see something like that and hate that he’s no longer with us. I hate this whole situation.”

Interestingly, the man likely to replace Jenkins as the team’s starter — rookie DeAndre Baker — declined to comment on the situation despite a pool of reporters peppering him with questions.

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Giants fall to Eagles: Winners, losers and those in between

The New York Giants fell to the Philadelphia Eagles on Monday night, and here’s a look at the winners, losers and those in between.

The New York Giants and Philadelphia Eagles squared off in a Monday Night Football game that was very legitimately a sidebar to the return of veteran quarterback Eli Manning, who was replacing the injured Daniel Jones.

Manning’s performance will be picked apart from every angle in the coming day, so for now, we’ll stick to the basics and provide our usual hot takes.

Here’s a look at the winners and losers who contributed to Monday’s loss.

Winners

Markus Golden – From the jump, Golden was playing at a different level on Monday night. Maybe it was the bright lights of prime-time, but he was a ball of energy and simply dominated the Eagles offensive line early on, tallying four QB hurries and one sack over his first nine pass rushing attempts. He fell off a bit later on, but that really speaks more about his hot start.

Leonard Williams – After making waves earlier in the week by saying he wanted to be paid at a tier below Aaron Donald, Williams had his best game as a Giant and perhaps his best game of the season. He collapsed the pocket, rushed the passer, stopped the run and snuffed out screens (the only one) with remarkable precision. He did have one awful roughing the passer penalty, but we’ll forgive him this one time.

Darius Slayton – Entering Week 14, Slayton had never caught a pass from Eli Manning. Ha! The rookie dominated the first half, hauling in five receptions for 154 yards and two touchdowns. However, Slayton faded completely in the second half (not entirely his fault).

Oshane Ximines – It was a big night for the rookie edge rusher, who came up with two sacks of Carson Wentz and added a quality stop in the second half for good measure. A game to build upon.

Others: Janoris Jenkins, DeAndre Baker, Dalvin Tomlinson

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