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3 Giants Already on the Chopping Block Before OTAs

The New York Giants' roster has begun to take shape with this year's organized team activities looming. Here are three players who have found themselves on the chopping block ahead of OTAs.

By Devon Platana

CB Aaron Robinson is one of three Giants on the chopping block.
CB Aaron Robinson is one of three Giants on the chopping block. / John Jones-USA TODAY Sports
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2. Gary Brightwell, RB

It's hard to believe that Gary Brightwell is already in his fourth offseason with the Giants. The former Arizona running back was selected 196th overall by New York at the 2021 Draft after racking up over 1,400 scrimmage yards and 10 touchdowns across three seasons with the Wildcats.

Sixth-round picks don't always develop into solid contributors, though, and that's the case with Brightwell. The 25-year-old rusher hasn't looked that impressive with his limited opportunities in 37 career games, turning 41 carries into 164 yards and 11 receptions into 92 more yards while tallying just one total touchdown.

Even though Saquon Barkley isn't around anymore, it doesn't mean that Brightwell is guaranteed to see a bigger role this fall. Not only is fellow RB Eric Gray returning, but the Giants also added veteran back Devin Singletary via free agency while using the 2024 draft's 166th selection on Tyrone Tracy Jr., who tallied 716 rushing yards and eight TDs with Purdue last season.

After only seeing nine carries on 41 offensive snaps in 2023, the future doesn't look bright for Brightwell. If he can't separate himself from the pack during OTAs, the Giants won't think twice about chopping him.

3. Nathan Rourke, QB

One Giant who might be on the chopping block is one who hasn't even played a game for the franchise yet.

After the New England Patriots put him on waivers earlier this week, the Giants claimed Nathan Rourke to add to their quarterback depth. The 25-year-old gunslinger previously played for the CFL's BC Lions, throwing for 4,035 passing yards with 28 touchdowns to 15 interceptions across two seasons and even winning the 2022 Most Outstanding Canadian award.

But just because Rourke recently joined the Giants doesn't mean his future is safe. With Daniel Jones pegged to be the QB1 again, Rourke will need to compete with Drew Lock and Tommy DeVito for the final two spots. Lock has a slight advantage due to his having 23 games as a starter under his belt while DeVito completed 64.0% of passes for 1,101 yards and eight TDs to three interceptions in six starts last season.

Considering how NFL coaches view experience and team familiarity as assets, it's clear that Rourke has an uphill battle ahead of him. If he can't show what made him a solid QB in the CFL, the Giants may understand why the Patriots released the Victoria, BC native so easily after five months.

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