5 Surprise Cut Candidates for the New York Giants in 2025

The New York Giants' Roster Dilemma

As the 2025 NFL season approaches, the New York Giants face tough decisions in trimming their roster from 90 to 52 players. This process often leads to unexpected cuts, even among established players. Let's examine five surprise cut candidates for the Giants this year.

1. Evan Neil - Offensive Tackle

Evan Neil, a former first-round pick and top 10 selection out of Alabama, enters his fourth year in the NFL under challenging circumstances:

• The Giants declined his fifth-year option, making him a free agent after the 2025 season
• Recent free agency moves have added depth to the offensive line
• The drafting of Marcus Bo creates competition at right tackle
• Brian Daboll hinted at Bo playing right tackle to start

Neil's Uncertain Position

With the current roster makeup, Neil's position is unclear:

• Greg Vanroden at right guard
• Germaine Aluminor at right tackle
• Jake Kubis gaining favor with the coaching staff
• Addition of Bo in the NFL draft
• Signing of Stone Foresight and James Hudson III as potential swing tackles
• Return of Aaron Stinny
• Joshua Audu still on the roster

It's unlikely that Stinny, Audu, Neil, and Kubis will all make the final roster. Neil could find himself traded or cut before the season starts if he doesn't secure a clear role.

2. Daniel Bellinger - Tight End

Daniel Bellinger, entering his fourth year with the Giants, faces stiff competition at the tight end position:

• Theo Johnson was a priority pick in the 2024 draft
• Chris Manher re-signed on the first day of free agency
• Greg Doolsich, coming off his best NFL season, joined the team last year
• Thomas Fidoni II was drafted in the seventh round

Bellinger's Declining Production

Bellinger's usage and production have steadily declined:

• Rookie year: 30 catches, 268 yards, 2 touchdowns
• Second year: 25 catches, 255 yards
• Third year: 14 catches, 125 yards

His snap count has also decreased significantly:

• Rookie year: 675 snaps
• Second year: Higher snap-per-game average
• Third year: Only 364 snaps

With only three likely roster spots for tight ends, Bellinger faces an uphill battle to make the team.

3. Eric Gray - Running Back

Eric Gray, a fifth-round pick out of Tennessee, has struggled to live up to expectations:

• Ball security issues
• Limited impact when given opportunities
• Unsuccessful attempts as a kick and punt returner

Increased Competition

The Giants have added talent to the running back room:

• Tyrone Tracy selected in the fifth round of the 2024 draft
• Cam Scataboo picked in the fourth round of the 2025 draft
• Dante Miller showing promise

Gray's lack of special teams value may hurt his chances of making the roster as the fourth running back. Tracy Singletary and Scataboo are considered locks, leaving Gray to compete with Miller for a potential fourth spot.

4. Rake Nunees Roaches - Defensive Tackle

Despite being a Super Bowl champion with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Rake Nunees Roaches has underperformed for the Giants:

• Limited impact as a pass rusher
• Underwhelming performance against the run

Crowded Defensive Line

The Giants have prioritized adding depth to the defensive tackle position:

• Dexter Lawrence remains a cornerstone
• Roy Robertson Harris signed in free agency
• Jeremiah Led Better added as a potential impact player
• Chanty Goldston signed, capable of playing both edge and tackle
• DJ Davidson still on the roster
• Darius Alexander selected as a top 65 draft pick
• Jordan Riley gaining support within the organization

With Lawrence and Alexander considered locks, the remaining defensive tackles will compete for likely two or three spots. Nunees Roaches' performance and contract situation ($2 million in cap savings if cut after June 1) put him at risk.

5. Graham Gnau - Kicker

Graham Gnau's position with the Giants is tenuous due to several factors:

• Inconsistent health, playing only 18 games in the last two seasons
• Subpar performance when healthy
• High salary for his production level

Financial Considerations

Cutting Gnau after June 1st would save the Giants over $4.4 million in cap space, which is significant for a team facing salary cap constraints.

Performance Issues

Gnau's statistics have been disappointing:

• 20 of 28 field goal attempts made
• Averaging only 9 games played per season over the last two years
• Multiple game-costing misses

The Giants need a more reliable and accurate kicker to compete at a high level.

Implications for the Giants

These potential cuts highlight several key points about the Giants' roster strategy:

1. Prioritizing performance over draft pedigree (Evan Neil)
2. Valuing versatility and special teams contributions (Eric Gray)
3. Emphasizing depth and competition on both lines
4. Seeking reliability and consistency in specialist positions (Graham Gnau)

The Road Ahead

As the Giants approach training camp and preseason, these players will have opportunities to prove their worth:

• Strong performances could secure roster spots
• Lackluster showings may lead to trades or outright releases
• The coaching staff will closely evaluate each player's fit within the team's schemes and culture

Potential Impact on Team Dynamics

Cutting established players can affect team morale and chemistry:

• Veterans may feel increased pressure to perform
• Younger players might see more opportunities for playing time
• The locker room dynamic could shift as new leaders emerge

Financial Considerations

Roster decisions often come down to salary cap management:

• Cutting high-priced veterans can create space for strategic signings
• Younger, cheaper players may be favored for depth roles
• The Giants must balance short-term savings with long-term roster building

Positional Battles to Watch

Several position groups will feature intense competition:

Offensive Line

• Right tackle: Evan Neil vs. Marcus Bo vs. Germaine Aluminor
• Interior spots: Greg Vanroden, Jake Kubis, Aaron Stinny, Joshua Audu

Tight End

• Starting role: Theo Johnson vs. Chris Manher
• Depth spots: Daniel Bellinger vs. Greg Doolsich vs. Thomas Fidoni II

Running Back

• Third-down back: Eric Gray vs. Dante Miller
• Special teams contributions will be crucial

Defensive Tackle

• Starting alongside Dexter Lawrence: Roy Robertson Harris vs. Jeremiah Led Better
• Rotational roles: Rake Nunees Roaches vs. DJ Davidson vs. Jordan Riley

Strategies for Players on the Bubble

Players at risk of being cut can improve their chances by:

1. Excelling in special teams roles
2. Demonstrating versatility across multiple positions
3. Showing leadership and mentoring younger players
4. Staying healthy and available throughout camp and preseason
5. Making the most of limited reps in practice and games

Potential Trade Scenarios

Rather than outright cutting players, the Giants may explore trade options:

• Evan Neil could interest teams needing offensive line help
• Daniel Bellinger might appeal to tight end-needy franchises
• Rake Nunees Roaches' Super Bowl experience could attract contenders

The Importance of Preseason Performance

Preseason games will be crucial for players on the roster bubble:

• Consistent, impactful play can sway coaches' decisions
• Mistakes or lackluster performances may seal a player's fate
• Versatility and special teams contributions will be closely evaluated

Long-term Roster Building

These potential cuts reflect the Giants' commitment to improving their roster:

• Moving on from underperforming high draft picks (Neil, Bellinger)
• Prioritizing reliable, consistent play (Gnau)
• Creating opportunities for young, high-upside players

The Role of Coaching in Player Development

The coaching staff faces challenges in maximizing player potential:

• Can they unlock Evan Neil's first-round talent?
• Will they find creative ways to utilize Daniel Bellinger?
• How can they improve Eric Gray's ball security and playmaking?

Salary Cap Implications

Making these cuts would have significant financial impacts:

• Potential savings of over $10 million in cap space
• Flexibility to sign free agents or extend key players
• Long-term financial health improvement

Fan Reaction and Public Perception

Cutting popular or highly drafted players can be controversial:

• Some fans may question the team's draft strategy
• Others might applaud the ruthless pursuit of improvement
• Media scrutiny will intensify around these decisions

Lessons for Future Drafts and Free Agency

These potential cuts offer insights for future roster building:

• The importance of thorough scouting and player evaluation
• Balancing immediate needs with long-term potential
• The value of mid-round picks in creating roster depth

Conclusion

As the New York Giants prepare for the 2025 season, difficult roster decisions loom. The potential cuts of Evan Neil, Daniel Bellinger, Eric Gray, Rake Nunees Roaches, and Graham Gnau highlight the constant evolution of an NFL roster. These moves, if made, would demonstrate the team's commitment to fielding the best possible 53-man squad, regardless of draft pedigree or past performance.

The coming weeks of training camp and preseason will be crucial for these players and many others on the bubble. Their performances, along with strategic considerations from the coaching staff and front office, will shape the Giants' roster and, ultimately, their chances for success in the 2025 NFL season.

For fans and analysts alike, these potential surprise cuts serve as a reminder of the NFL's unforgiving nature and the constant pressure on players to perform. As the Giants aim to return to playoff contention, every roster spot becomes invaluable, and tough decisions must be made in pursuit of team success.

Article created from: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jOnHuYsk8Qg