Giants Players Who Need Impressive Camp to Avoid Being Cut
The New York Giants should look and feel quite a bit different in 2024. New York tried running it back with the bulk of its 2022 playoff roster last season, but the results left plenty to be desired.
This offseason, the Giants embraced change, allowing players like Saquon Barkley and Xavier McKinney to depart, while adding potential impact players like Brian Burns, Jon Runyan and rookie receiver Malik Nabers.
The roster turnover will likely continue after the Giants kick off training camp on July 16. Teams are allowed to roster up to 90 players during camp but must whittle that number to 53 players by August 27.
This means that a few more familiar faces could soon be on the way out. Below, you'll find a look at three veterans who will need to impress during camp to have a shot at making the final 53.
WR Allen Robinson II
Taking a flier on wideout Allen Robinson II was a smart move by the Giants. He's set to play on a team-friendly, $1.4 million, one-year deal, and he believes he has some quality football left in the proverbial tank.
"In my eyes, I know for sure I've got a couple more years in me," Robinson said, per Michael Eisen of the team's official website.
Yet, Robinson's contract also means that a roster spot isn't guaranteed—New York can save roughly $1.1 million by releasing him. He's not part of a crowded receiver room that includes holders Darius Slayton, Wan'Dale Robinson, Jalen Hyatt and Isaiah Hodgins, along with rookie Malik Nabers and former Buffalo Bills receiver Isaiah McKenzie.
McKenzie spent time under head coach Brian Daboll in Buffalo.
Robinson hasn't been a high-end receiver since he amassed 1,250 receiving yards with the Chicago Bears in 2020. He'll likely need to show that a return to that form is possible to stick on the regular season roster.
Most of the top receivers on the depth chart have experience in Daboll's offense, and Nabers is already penciled in as New York's No. 1 receiver.
OL Jalen Mayfield
Offensive lineman Jalen Mayfield, a 2021 third-round pick of the Atlanta Falcons, has struggled to establish himself in the NFL. He made 16 starts as a rookie before missing all of 2022 with a back injury. The Falcons released him last offseason, and Mayfield spent most of 2023 on New York's practice squad.
The 24-year-old is back as insurance, but he's likely a practice-squad candidate barring a stellar training camp. The Giants added Runyan, Jermaine Eluemunor, Aaron Stinnie and undrafted rookie Jake Kubas to their offensive line this offseason.
Mayfield's lone season as an NFL starter left plenty to be desired, as he was responsible for nine penalties and 11 sacks allowed, according to Pro Football Focus. There's a chance he flashes enough of the potential that made him a third-round selection during camp sticks as a key depth player. However, New York is facing a crowded competition at guard.
Assuming Evan Neal gets another shot at right tackle, those guard spots are the only unsettled spots on the line. Andrew Thomas and John Michael Schmitz are entrenched at left tackle and center, respectively.
Releasing Mayfield would save just under $1 million in cap space, along with a valuable roster spot. If he's viewed as nothing more than back-end depth, he can provide that on the practice squad.
CB Aaron Robinson
Like Mayfield, cornerback Aaron Robinson was a 2021 third-round pick and may get a little leeway based on his draft status. However, it's worth noting that he was a product of the former regime and wasn't drafted by current general manager Joe Schoen.
The other obstacle for Robinson is his injury history. He began his career on the physically-unable-to-perform (PUP) list and appeared in only nine games as a rookie. He then landed on injured reserve in 2022 with a torn ACL and a torn MCL.
Robinson opened the 2023 season on the PUP list and wasn't activated last season.
While Robinson did flash potential in his two 2022 starts—he allowed an opposing quarterback rating of only 49.3—availability is extremely important. He'll now have to show that he's returned to pre-injury form and then some.
Since Robinson was drafted, the Giants have used a 2022 third-round pick on Cor'Dale Flott, a 2023 first-round pick on Deonte Banks and a 2024 third-round pick on Andru Phillips. With veterans like Nick McCloud and Darnay Holmes also on the roster, Robinson—who has limited special-teams experience (35 snaps) will have to impress to stick.
The 25-year-old is entering the final year of his rookie contract, and New York could save $1.4 million by releasing him.
*Contract nformation via Spotrac. Advanced statistics from Pro Football Reference unless otherwise noted.