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Giants Reportedly Planning to Lurk in Free Agent Guard Market

The Giants did pretty well with veterans on the O-line last year. Might they repeat that strategy again?

Patricia Traina

New York Giants offensive guard Jon Runyan (76) was a solid veteran free-agent addition to the team's offensive line last year.
New York Giants offensive guard Jon Runyan (76) was a solid veteran free-agent addition to the team's offensive line last year. / Lucas Boland-Imagn Images
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New York Giants general manager Joe Schoen spoke at the combine about how the team’s starting offensive line is four-fifths set for 2025.

The one spot currently open is right guard, where Greg Van Roten, last year’s starter, is set to become an unrestricted free agent.

Not surprisingly, the Giants, who until injuries wrecked their starting offensive line last year had success by staffing the unit with veterans, are expected to lurk in the free-agent guard market, according to ESPN’s Dan Graziano and Jeremy Fowler.

That news probably doesn’t bode well for guys like Jake Kubas, Joshua Ezeudu, and former first-round pick Evan Neal, who figured they would compete for the vacancy. 

But one could hardly blame the Giants for wanting to upgrade over that group, as Ezeudu has yet to show consistency to be trusted with a full-time role (though to be fair, the team has moved him to tackle the last two seasons).

New York Giants offensive tackle Evan Neal (73) could end up working at guard this offseason in a bid to save his NFL career.
New York Giants offensive tackle Evan Neal (73) could end up working at guard this offseason in a bid to save his NFL career. / Vincent Carchietta-Imagn Images

Meanwhile, Neal, drafted as a tackle and entering the final year of his rookie contract, has reportedly yet to be approached about adding guard to his repertoire.

The ESPN colleagues mention Aaron Banks (49ers) and Will Fries (Colts) as two pending restricted free agents who could be in high demand and who could land sizeable contracts. 

But as is going to be the case at quarterback, the Giants will have competition for the top-tier free agents, as Arizona and Seattle are reportedly looking to add at that position as well.

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Patricia Traina
PATRICIA TRAINA

Patricia Traina has covered the New York Giants for 30+ seasons, and her work has appeared in multiple media outlets, including The Athletic, Forbes, Bleacher Report, and the Sports Illustrated media group. As a credentialed New York Giants press corps member, Patricia has also covered five Super Bowls (three featuring the Giants), the annual NFL draft, and the NFL Scouting Combine. She is the author of The Big 50: The Men and Moments that Made the New York Giants. In addition to her work with New York Giants On SI, Patricia hosts the Locked On Giants podcast. Patricia is also a member of the Pro Football Writers of America and the Football Writers Association of America.

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