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5 Giants on Thin Ice After Busy Start to Free Agency

The start of free agency has been very busy for the New York Giants and with several key additions may signal the end of several Giants' times in New York

By Nicholas Rome

Jan 7, 2024; East Rutherford, New Jersey, USA; New York Giants head coach Brian Daboll (right) walks
Jan 7, 2024; East Rutherford, New Jersey, USA; New York Giants head coach Brian Daboll (right) walks / Vincent Carchietta-USA TODAY Sports
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2. Marcus McKethan -Guard/Tackle

Offensive lineman Marcus McKethan during practice as part of the 2022 New York Giants Rookie
Offensive lineman Marcus McKethan during practice as part of the 2022 New York Giants Rookie / Chris Pedota, NorthJersey.com / USA

The Giants' fifth-round pick in 2022, Marcus McKethan was seen as a developmental prospect that could play either tackle or guard for the Giants in the future. McKethan would miss his rookie season with a torn ACL limiting his development in year one. He did show some improvement in year two, spending time all over the offensive line as the group maneuvered injury after injury in 2023.

The issue for McKethan is the capital invested in the players he's in competition against for playing time and a roster spot. The Giants paid $30 million for three years of Jon Runyan Jr and $14 million for two seasons of Jermaine Eluemunor at guard for 2024 and beyond. At right tackle, Evan Neal will have every opportunity to play over McKethan, and so will Josh Ezeudu, a former third-round pick. If the Giants draft an interior lineman in this year's class McKethan will be up against it in terms of making the roster.

1. Josh Ezeudu - Guard/Tackle

Oct 2, 2023; East Rutherford, New Jersey, USA; New York Giants quarterback Daniel Jones (8) walks
Oct 2, 2023; East Rutherford, New Jersey, USA; New York Giants quarterback Daniel Jones (8) walks / Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports

The additions of Jon Runyan Jr and Jermaine Eluemunor are just as bad for Josh Ezeudu as they were for Marcus McKethan. The former third-round pick played in just six games in 2023 ending the season on injured reserve. Early in the season Brian Daboll chose to start Marcus McKethan at guard over Josh Ezeudu, which is a troubling sign for the road ahead for the guard.

The addition of two players at Ezeudu's position is already a red flag. Now if the Giants sign a veteran interior lineman that may signal the end of Ezeudu's time in New York. Ezeudu needs for the Giants to avoid drafting any guards or tackles in the draft otherwise he may be on the move before his third season in the league.

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