Why this year's roster cut down decisions will be more difficult for Pat Shurmur

In one week, a tough task awaits Pat Shurmur as he'll have to trim what's been a hard-working and competitive Giants roster from 89 to 53.

Bob Meyer-USA TODAY Sports

Every year Giants head coach Pat Shurmur looks forward to having a competitive training camp.

The downside, though, to having such a camp is that by the end of the summer, he has to say goodbye to some 37 players who otherwise busted their tails to impress the coaching staff, only to learn that they weren’t among the best 53.

Such is the life of an NFL head coach, but for Shurmur, who will personally inform those players who haven’t earned spots on the 53-man roster when the cuts are made next weekend, it’s going to be a bitter pill to swallow.

“You want competition within the groups,” he said Friday during a conference call with reporters. 

“A year ago, we cut from 90 to 53 and there were only a couple guys that ended up on other rosters. I sort of feel like this year we may end up cutting more guys that are going to be attractive to maybe another team, which tells me that our 90 is better, and also tells me the players are embracing what we are talking about.”

Last year, Shurmur and the Giants said goodbye to players such as defensive end Romeo Okwara and safety Andrew Adams. 

Both players went on to find success with new teams, which sort of eased the sting a bit for Shurmur, who said that the goal is to see the players either make the Giants or another team.

But this year, in particular, is going to be extra difficult for the Giants’ second-year head coach. 

This year he’s gotten to really know the players as people in addition to as athletes. 

He’s also come to appreciate the time they’ve spent together—the long hours on the practice field and in the meeting rooms.

Perhaps the most difficult thing for him will be when he has to make decisions with his head rather than his heart. 

For example, earlier this week Shurmur spoke of how fond he was of fullback Eli Penny, but there is no guarantee that Penny will be among the initial 53 men chosen for the Giants’ 2019 roster.

The same can also be said at other positions, but especially at wide receiver where Shurmur has developed a fondness for guys such as Russell Shepard, Brittan Golden, and Alonzo Russell, all of whom probably won’t make the team.

“It’s going to be much tougher for me this year when we get to that point, having to say goodbye to some players that I am very fond of,” Shurmur admitted.

The good news, if there is any, is that if roster spots open up, those players who turned out to be the most difficult cut for Shurmur are likely to be the ones who are kept on speed dial just in case.

“I believe in our team, I love our team, I love what our team is trying to do. I’m just hoping that they are available if we need them or somewhere they can go on and keep their career going.”