Headlines

New York Giants News & Rumors

Giants Designate K Graham Gano For Return

By | at November 6, 2024 11:53 am

Graham Gano needed an IR stint for a second straight season, as the Giants have not seen their September 2023 extension result in much game work from their veteran kicker. Graham has missed seven games this season, coming after he missed nine in 2023.

The Giants do have some good news at kicker, however, having designated Gano for return from IR on Wednesday. Gano has been out since suffering a hamstring injury on the opening kickoff in the Giants’ Week 2 loss to the Commanders. Gano had come into that game with a groin injury as well, and his injury cost the Giants in a winnable matchup over a Washington team that has since soared to a 7-2 record.

Last season, Gano headed to IR because of a knee injury that required surgery. He missed the rest of the season. While the 36-year-old specialist’s future in New York is certainly in question considering his sudden unreliability, the Giants should be expected to have their kicker back soon. Gano has 21 days to be activated.

New York placing fill-in Greg Joseph on IR last week provides a decent indication Gano is moving toward returning, though the team’s bye week comes after its Week 10 Germany trip. The Giants also made an interesting kicker transaction, elevating Jude McAtamney — a Gaelic football player from North Ireland — to their active roster. McAtamney went 1 of 1 on field goals and extra points in the Giants’ rematch with the Commanders in Week 9. Because he was a gameday elevation, McAtamney is back on Big Blue’s practice squad.

Gano signed a three-year, $16.5MM deal that came with $11.34MM guaranteed at signing. Gano had stabilized the Giants’ kicker situation earlier this decade, coming over from the Panthers and settling in as New York’s kicker in 2020. A full-season 2019 absence preceded Gano’s move to the Big Apple, however, and injuries figure to make him a cut candidate in 2025. The Giants would save $4.5MM by releasing the experienced leg next year. But Gano is poised to suit up again for the 2-7 Giants during this season’s second half.

1 comment New York Giants Transactions

2024 NFL Trades

By | at November 5, 2024 10:06 pm

We have reached the 2024 trade deadline, which came one week later than the league’s usual endpoint. An offseason measure to move the deadline back one week passed, sliding the deadline beyond Week 9 after it had resided the Tuesday following Week 8 since 2012. That opened the door to more activity this year.

The 2024 offseason also featured extensive work, as teams added starters and depth pieces. Here are the trades involving veteran players (or rookies already drafted) to take place this year:

March 4

Bears chose defensive end Austin Booker at No. 144

March 9

Broncos sent Seahawks No. 136, included 203 in trade with Jets for QB Zach Wilson

March 10

Patriots chose QB Joe Milton at 193

March 11

Bucs drafted WR Jalen McMillan at No. 92; Lions traded No. 201 to Eagles

Panthers traded down from No. 39, giving Rams access to DT Braden Fiske; team moved No. 141 in Bills deal that sent WR Xavier Legette to Carolina. Giants chose RB Tyrone Tracy at 166.

March 12

Bengals chose DB Daijahn Anthony at No. 224 

March 13

Texans traded No. 232 to Vikings

Ravens chose WR Devontez Walker at No. 113, QB Devin Leary at 218; Jets drafted RB Braelon Allen at 134

March 14

Commanders traded Nos. 78, 152 to Eagles in trade that sent CB Cooper DeJean to Philadelphia; Seahawks moved down from No. 102, drafted G Sataoa Laumea at 179

Bolts traded No. 110 to Patriots 

March 15

Steelers chose LB Payton Wilson at No. 98; Eagles traded No. 120 to Dolphins in package that brought back 2025 third-rounder

March 16

Fields must play in 51% of Steelers’ offensive snaps for pick to elevate from sixth to fourth round

March 22

Chiefs traded No. 221 to Bills; Titans chose OLB Jaylen Harrell at 252

March 29

Pick would have become second-rounder had Reddick played 67.5% of Jets’ 2024 defensive snaps and recorded at least 10 sacks. Reddick’s holdout ensured Philly’s pick will land in Round 3.

April 3

Texans dealt No. 189 to Lions for Nos. 205, 249

April 12

Browns chose CB Myles Harden at No. 227

April 22

In trade that gave Vikings J.J. McCarthy draft real estate at No. 10 overall, Jets sent No. 203 to Minnesota; Broncos chose C Nick Gargiulo at 256

April 27

May 9

August 9

August 11

August 14

Dallas carried Phillips on its active roster for two games, meeting minimum requirement for conditional sixth to transfer

August 22

Pick did not convey due to Commanders cutting York before he played in two games with team

August 23

August 24

August 26

August 27

August 28

October 14

October 15

Pick would upgrade to second-rounder if Adams earns first- or second-team All-Pro recognition or is on Jets’ active roster for 2024 AFC championship game or Super Bowl LIX

October 23

Pick would become fourth-rounder if Hopkins both plays 60% of Chiefs’ remaining offensive snaps and Kansas City advances to Super Bowl LIX

October 28

October 29

Robinson’s playing time will determine if Jags pick climbs to a fourth-rounder and whether Vikings will end up receiving 2026 seventh

November 4

November 5

Sixth-rounder going to New Orleans comes from pick Saints sent Commanders for John Ridgeway 

11 comments Arizona Cardinals Atlanta Falcons Baltimore Ravens Buffalo Bills Carolina Panthers Chicago Bears Cincinnati Bengals Cleveland Browns Dallas Cowboys Denver Broncos Detroit Lions Green Bay Packers Houston Texans Jacksonville Jaguars Kansas City Chiefs Las Vegas Raiders Los Angeles Chargers Los Angeles Rams Miami Dolphins Minnesota Vikings New England Patriots New Orleans Saints New York Giants New York Jets PFR Originals Philadelphia Eagles Pittsburgh Steelers San Francisco 49ers Seattle Seahawks Tampa Bay Buccaneers Tennessee Titans Washington Commanders

Giants Waive CB Nick McCloud

By | at November 5, 2024 10:05 pm

During a mostly anticlimactic trade deadline today, there was a dramatic transaction in New York, where the Giants shockingly waived cornerback Nick McCloud after starting him in five games this year, according to Giants senior managing editor Dan Salomone. Additionally, the team released veteran punter Matt Haack.

The Giants claimed McCloud off waivers after he was waived by the Bills, Bengals, and Bills a second time after going undrafted in 2021. Since arriving in New York, McCloud has found a consistent contributing role, starting 16 games in 38 appearances since 2022. After three years of favorable grades from Pro Football Focus (subscription required), McCloud is having a down year analytically, grading out as the 104th-best cornerback out of 110 players graded in the league.

Though he hasn’t played up to his potential this year, McCloud still provided some essential versatility to an injury-riddled secondary, being able to roam to the nickel and safety positions when needed. The need to waive McCloud was exacerbated by a want for cap space. According to Ryan Dunleavy of the New York Post, the Giants approached McCloud about taking a pay cut to open up some much-needed cap space and help them navigate the remainder of the season financially. McCloud declined the pay cut and now finds himself in free agency.

Haack was signed to help fill in for regular punter Jamie Gillan. Gillan was questionable heading into the team’s Week 6 matchup with a hamstring injury, and Haack came in to relieve him for the next four games as injury continued to limit Gillan’s availability. With Haack being released, it could be assumed that Gillan is soon to come off the injury report and return to play.

0 comments New York Giants Transactions

Giants Unlikely To Trade Azeez Ojulari

By | at November 5, 2024 2:20 pm

2:20pm: At this point, Mike Garafolo of NFL Network notes an Ojulari trade is unlikely. The team is remaining steadfast in terms of its asking price, one which the remaining edge rush suitors are currently unwilling to meet.

11:59am: More specifically, The Athletic’s Dianna Russini adds the Giants are seeking either a late fourth-rounder or an early fifth. This would require some projecting on the Giants’ end, as we are obviously halfway through the season and months away from the draft order being set. But the Giants hold one of the top trade chips remaining. It will be interesting to see if a team meets the asking price.

8:31am: Two of the main edge rush dominoes have now fallen as the trade deadline approaches. Baron Browning was dealt from the Broncos to the Cardinals yesterday, with the long-anticipated Za’Darius Smith trade being worked out between the Browns and Lions this morning.

The Browning swap saw Denver receive only a sixth-round pick based on his status as a pending free agent. That price could be key as it pertains to the Giants and Azeez Ojulari. He, too, is approaching the conclusion of his rookie contract and the lack of extension talks with New York makes him a prime candidate to be dealt today. To little surprise, ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler reports calls continue to come in on Ojulari.

Fowler adds, notably, that the Giants appear to value the 24-year-old higher than the return Browning generated. Recent reports indicated New York set a high asking price for both Ojulari and fellow rental Darius Slayton, who also wants to remain a Giant despite the fact he does not have a new contract in sight. Over the weekend, a prediction emerged that a fifth-round pick would likely constitute the best-case scenario for New York in the event Ojulari were to be traded. In the wake of Browning being dealt for a single Day 3 selection, it will be interesting to see if the Giants are willing to authorize a deal for a similar fee.

The Cardinals were among the teams showing interest in Ojulari, but with Browning in the fold they can be removed from the list of potential suitors. The Lions have also addressed a major need by acquiring Smith, but teams like the Falcons may still be in the running. The same could very well also be true of the Bengals, a team which just agreed to a deal for running back Khalil Herbert but is known to also be on the lookout for defensive help.

The Giants added Brian Burns via trade this offseason, inking him to the league’s third-most lucrative deal in terms of AAV ($28.2MM). 2022 fifth overall pick Kayvon Thibodeaux will be eligible for a big-ticket deal of his own as early as this spring, so committing to a second Ojulari contract could be challenging from a roster-building perspective. The Georgia product posted eight sacks as a rookie but missed notable time with injuries each of the following two seasons. In 2024, he has been available for all nine of the team’s contests, posting six sacks and 10 pressures. Given that production, offers should be expected to continue coming in as the day progresses.

11 comments New York Giants

Trade Rumors: Slayton, Lattimore, Broncos

By | at November 5, 2024 1:27 pm

Rumblings about the Steelers pursuing both Courtland Sutton and Darius Slayton surfaced days before the deadline. While no real traction has come out regarding Sutton — one of the NFL’s 2020s trade-rumor pillars — Slayton is still in play to be moved. The Giants wide receiver indeed came up during a Steelers push that concluded with a Mike Williams addition, with ESPN.com’s Jeremy Fowler noting Pittsburgh “took a hard look” at the sixth-year New York pass catcher.

Slayton has shown ability as a deep threat in the Big Apple, helping the Giants after a few of their past WR plans have gone awry. We are in crunch time for Big Blue regarding a trade of either Slayton or Azeez Ojulari, with the deadline looming in less than two hours. Slayton is finishing up a two-year, $12MM deal but is attached to barely $1MM in remaining salary. The Giants keeping Slayton would open the door to a potential compensatory reward if he leaves as a 2025 free agent.

Here is the latest from the trade market:

  • The Ravens also explored a trade for Marshon Lattimore, per NFL.com’s Ian Rapoport. The Chiefs and Chargers joined the Commanders in being in on the Pro Bowl cornerback, but a three-pick package sent him to Washington. Baltimore has Marlon Humphrey and used a first-round pick on Nate Wiggins. Pro Football Focus, however, has graded boundary starter Brandon Stephens 95th overall at the position this season. Lattimore, his injury trouble notwithstanding, would have been an upgrade on Stephens in a Humphrey-fronted position group. Both Lattimore and Humphrey entered the NFL as 2017 first-round picks.
  • Although the Broncos are likely to see another deadline pass without dealing Sutton, some around the league are wondering about Javonte Williams‘ status. The fourth-year back has not quite looked the same since his ACL and LCL tears in 2022, though he has produced at points for this year’s 5-4 team. Still, execs are wondering about Williams’ trade availability, per ESPN’s Dan Graziano, due to rumors Denver is planning to give rookie Audric Estime a bigger workload. Estime, however, has fumbled twice — despite logging only 15 carries. Williams has also lost two fumbles, and given his form since the injury and Estime being signed through 2027, teams may be touching base with the Broncos about their contract-year RB.
  • Rodney McLeod does not want to be part of a Browns exodus. Announcing before the season he intends to retire, McLeod said (via cleveland.com’s Mary Kay Cabot) he does not want to be moved off the 2-7 team’s roster. “I’m riding with this team,” McLeod said. “I’m in the boat. I’m not looking to escape.” The Browns have traded Amari Cooper and Za’Darius Smith and cut Quinton Jefferson. They may well be done for the day, however, with Fowler adding talks about other players have not produced a deal.
0 comments Baltimore Ravens Cleveland Browns Denver Broncos New York Giants Pittsburgh Steelers

Trade Rumors: Panthers, Thielen, Texans, Steelers, Slayton, Giants, Dolphins, Vikings

By | at November 4, 2024 3:46 pm

Adam Thielen ripped off his third 1,000-yard season last year but did so for a 2-15 Panthers team. Although the Panthers notched their second win of the season, they are certainly not expected to sniff playoff contention this season. Thielen’s name has come up in trade rumors, and Sports Illustrated’s Albert Breer notes the 34-year-old receiver’s camp would like to catch on with a contender to close out this season. The Panthers are open to more seller’s moves, after their Diontae Johnson trade. While Carolina has some players in mind for post-2024 work, Thielen’s three-year, $25MM contract and age would make him a cut candidate next year.

Going down with a hamstring injury early this season, Thielen is in the IR-return window. That could affect his trade availability, but the possession target said (via ESPN.com’s David Newton) he expects to return in Week 10. That would obviously align with Tuesday’s deadline. It would cost the Panthers roughly $11MM — spread out between this year and next — to trade Thielen, but that would be unlikely to deter the rebuilding team if it received an offer. The Panthers’ Johnson return checked in low enough it caught plenty of attention, and with the team picking up some of the traded WR’s tab, it would not surprise if a team paid some of Thielen’s remaining money (roughly $2.4MM) to facilitate a swap.

Any player cut beyond the deadline is subject to waivers, something that could come up if the Panthers hold onto the veteran past Tuesday. Here is the latest from the market:

  • Teams still interested in adding receivers include the Steelers and Texans, NFL.com’s Tom Pelissero said during a Rich Eisen Show appearance. Pittsburgh’s interest in adding a WR piece has been well known for months, and Thielen is on the radar after Christian Kirk talks fell through. While conflicting reports are coming out of Houston. The AFC South leaders have been linked to both standing pat following the Stefon Diggs injury and then exploring the market. Pelissero predicts the Steelers’ odyssey will conclude with a receiver added by Tuesday’s deadline.
  • Unless Courtland Sutton is moved months after the Broncos rejected a third-rounder from the 49ers for him, Darius Slayton may be the top name available. Regardless of the reported high price the Giants have set on the sixth-year wideout, Breer adds the team has looked into trading both he and Azeez Ojulari for a bit now. Both are in contract years for a 2-7 team, with Ojulari generating extensive interest. The Cardinals were in on Ojulari, but they filled their OLB need with Baron Browning today. Also looking for EDGE help, the Falcons have checked in as well. Neither Slayton nor Ojulari want to be dealt, but the Giants are in position to strongly consider moving each. Slayton also suffered a concussion Sunday, which stands to impact his status as a trade chip. The Steelers are believed to be interested in the four-time Giants receiving leader.
  • The NFL features a high number of two-win teams (nine), something that could lead to more deals over the next 23-plus hours. But the 6-2 Vikings are also believed to be open to dealing away a piece. Minnesota linebacker Brian Asamoah should be considered a trade candidate, per Breer, as the Vikings have some LB depth in Blake Cashman, Ivan Pace, Kamu Grugier-Hill and hybrid player Andrew Van Ginkel. A former third-round pick, Asamoah has never started an NFL game and would not net much in a trade.
  • The Dolphins are one of those two-win clubs, having lost on a 61-yard Bills game-winning field goal in Week 9. Miami may still not be overly interested in selling, with Drew Rosenhaus indicating during a WSVN interview (h/t the Miami Herald’s Barry Jackson) the team has been looking into helping this year’s roster over the past few weeks. Miami having lost its past two games with Tua Tagovailoa healthy could contribute to this deadline approach, and Breer adds backup linebacker Duke Riley looms as a candidate to be dealt. But the team has made several big-ticket extension moves — including the Tagovailoa and Jaylen Waddle deals this offseason — in recent years, decisions that would stand to influence whether selling at the midseason point is prudent.
5 comments Carolina Panthers Houston Texans Miami Dolphins Minnesota Vikings New York Giants Pittsburgh Steelers

Trade Notes: Lions, Ojulari, Browning, Raiders, Neal

By | at November 3, 2024 10:38 pm

A report from Sunday afternoon indicated the Lions are close to completing a trade for Za’Darius Smith. The veteran Browns edge rusher has long been linked to Detroit, a team which has been on the lookout for help in that area since losing Aidan Hutchinson and Marcus Davenport to major injuries.

Of course, the Lions have explored other options as well. Their process of seeking out suitable targets has included interest in Maxx Crosby, Dave Birkett of the Detroit Free Press reports. To no surprise, though, the Lions have been told Crosby is unavailable. Raiders owner Mark Davis has made it clear on multiple occasions the three-time Pro Bowler will not be dealt, recently adding that sentiment also applies beyond this year’s deadline.

Detroit could show interest in the likes of Jadeveon Clowney and/or Chase Young, and the Titans’ Arden Key is the most recent name to emerge as a potential target. The members of that group would likely no longer be on the Lions’ radar provided a Smith agreement came to fruition, but they could be in play if that does not turn out to be the case. Detroit’s willingness to aim big by inquiring about Crosby is another indication of the team’s intention of making another deep playoff run in 2024.

Here are some more trade-related notes from around the league:

  • Neither Darius Slayton nor Azeez Ojulari are believed to have been the subject of any Giants extension talks, pointing further in the direction of one or both being traded. After New York’s Week 9 loss, Ojulari confirmed to Ryan Novozinsky of NJ.com no talks have taken place on the contract front. While that has made him the trade target of multiple teams, the 24-year-old said he prefers to remain with the Giants. Slayton has similarly made public his desire to stay in place despite the team’s 2-7 record, although he has been the subject of trade speculation on multiple occasions over the years. Ojulari could offer a notable rental boost to many teams, but it remains to be seen if the Giants will entertain offers including minimal draft capital.
  • The Broncos sit at 5-4 on the year after Sunday’s loss. The team might not adopt a firm buyer’s or seller’s stance in advance of the trade deadline, but that could still result in a move being made. Edge rusher Baron Browning has previously been floated as a trade candidate, and his name continues to be mentioned in rumors. Both Jonathan Jones of CBS Sports and Mike Florio of Pro Football Talk report the 25-year-old is a name to watch over the coming days. Browning, who is nearing the end of his rookie contract, wants to remain in Denver, although he recently acknowledged an extension does not seem to be around the corner.
  • Crosby is off limits, but the Raiders could be open to selling off at other positions with a 2-7 record. Jakobi Meyers is among the receivers who could still be on the move, and plenty of teams who have yet to add in the pass-catching department could be active before the deadline. With that said, Vincent Bonsignore of the Las Vegas Review-Journal writes the Raiders are not actively shopping Meyers or any other players. SI’s Albert Breer corroborates that, adding Crosby is set to remain in place. The team will, of course, take calls from potential suitors while looking ahead to at least one QB addition ahead of 2025. Adding draft capital could aid Vegas’ attempts to acquire a franchise passer.
  • Evan Neal‘s time with the Giants so far has – to put it lightly – not gone according to plan. The 2022 No. 7 pick has found himself out of the starting lineup at guard and tackle, although with injuries up front that could change somewhat soon. ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler writes Neal is a “nonstarter” on the trade front from New York’s perspective. That comes as little surprise since the Alabama product’s value in a swap would fall well short of the capital invested in him two years ago. Neal is attached to his rookie contract through 2025, leaving him some runway to bounce back from his earlier struggles in time for free agency.
5 comments Denver Broncos Detroit Lions Las Vegas Raiders New York Giants

Giants Have Not Discussed Extension With Darius Slayton, Azeez Ojulari

By | at November 3, 2024 12:30 pm

As the trade deadline draws nearer, the Giants remain a team worth watching closely. Pending free agents on both sides of the ball have garnered considerable interest from potential buyers, and New York’s chances of moving on will of course be swayed in part by the team’s willingness to commit to new contracts.

Wideout Darius Slayton and edge rusher Azeez Ojulari are firmly on the trade block at this point, which comes as little surprise given the Giants’ 2-6 record. The team could turn away interest if an extension were to be imminent on one or both fronts, but that does not appear to be the case. Dan Duggan of The Athletic reports no known negotiations have taken place with either player, something which no doubt would have transpired by now if the team had serious intentions of avoiding free agent departures.

Slayton remains one of several receivers who could be on the move despite the fact four WR trades (involving Davante Adams, Amari Cooper, DeAndre Hopkins and Diontae Johnson) have already taken place recently. The 27-year-old is no stranger to trade speculation, and one seemed highly possible this offseason. Instead, Slayton remained in place with the Giants, the only team he has played for in his career. Teams like the Steelers are known to be on the lookout for an addition at that position, and Pittsburgh has shown interest in Slayton, whose preference would be to remain in New York.

“For two or three years now, I’ve been a trade-deadline name, so I control what I can control and don’t worry about it much,” the Auburn product told Ryan Dunleavy of the New York Post. “It’s somewhat of a good thing because if people are trading for you, you’re obviously doing something right. I obviously want to be here. The easy thing is to go to somebody who is 6-2 right now, but I have roots here and love my teammates here.”

In four of his first five seasons, Slayton led the Giants in receiving yards. This year, the former fifth-rounder has posted two 100-yard performances as part of a WR unit led by first-round rookie Malik Nabers. The Giants do not have many known commodities in terms of pass-catchers beyond that pairing, but with a base salary of just $2.5MM for the season Slayton would be an affordable rental for any number of teams. A change of scenery might not produce an uptick in targets to close out the year, but it could give Slayton a rare chance at postseason action.

New York is believed to have set a high asking price on Slayton, with the same being true of Ojulari. The latter is on the radar of teams likes the Bengals, with the Falcons and Cardinals also being in the mix. Duggan reported earlier this weekend that a fifth-round pick might be the most the Giants could land in a trade, an underwhelming return for a player on his way to surpassing his career high in sacks with six so far in eight contests.

The Giants already have Brian Burns on the books as one of the league’s highest-paid edge rushers, and Kayvon Thibodeaux could have a long-term pact in hand as early as this offseason. Affording a major raise for Ojulari coming off his rookie pact would be create a roster-building challenge at other, more pressing positions for New York. As a result, calls will no doubt continue coming in for the 24-year-old.

General manager Joe Schoen and head coach Brian Daboll recently received a public vote of confidence from owner John Mara, although speculation continues with respect to their job security. How the team’s top decision-makers operate moving forward will be a major storyline, and that of course includes the handling of quarterback Daniel Jones. More immediately, the situations for Slayton and Ojulari will be key as well.

1 comment New York Giants

Cardinals, Falcons Monitoring Azeez Ojulari; Latest On Giants OLB’s Market

By | at November 2, 2024 10:42 pm

A shortlist of names is in place regarding the edge rush trade market. One of the top targets for contending teams remains Azeez Ojulari, who is currently on track to finish his Giants rookie contract over the remainder of the season.

As a pending free agent, Ojulari could easily price himself out of New York. The team already has Brian Burns attached to a $28.2MM-per-year deal, and 2022 fifth overall pick Kayvon Thibodeaux will be eligible for an extension this offseason. Keeping that pair in the fold for the foreseeable future while also committing to a signficant Ojulari raise would be challenging given the Giants’ more immediate roster needs.

To no surprise, potential buyers have made calls about the Georgia product’s availability in advance of the November 5 trade deadline. Several teams continue to express interest, Ian Rapoport of NFL Network writes. Depending on the status of veterans likes Za’Darius Smith and Jadeveon Clowney, Ojulari could find himself as the top edge rusher on the market over the coming days. His value would, of course, be boosted by a multitude of teams making offers.

The Bengals are on the lookout for help along the defensive front, and they have been connected to a pursuit of the 24-year-old. According to The Athletic’s Dianna Russini, the Falcons and Cardinals can also be added to that list (subscription required). Atlanta in particular has been “aggressive” in pursuing an edge rush move in general and a potential Ojulari move in particular, per ESPN’s Adam Schefter.

The Falcons have previously been named as a team to watch regarding an addition along the edge, with the Matt Judon acquisition not yielding high-end production and injuries emerging elsewhere at that spot. Lorenzo Carter is currently on injured reserve, and Atlanta could certainly use at least a depth contributor in his absence (although Ojulari would be expected to handle first-team duties upon arrival with any number of suitors).

The Cardinals have been hit hard by injuries along the D-line this year, so adding along the edge would be a sensible move (and one which Schefter confirms is in play). General manager Monti Ossenfort spoke about his trade deadline plans yesterday, and he confirmed he has explored deals which could help add production in the pass-rush department. With six sacks this year and 22 in his career, Ojulari would be a welcomed addition for Arizona as the team looks to remain atop the NFC West.

Given his status as a rental, the Giants may not be on track to land signficant draft capital in any deal for the former second-rounder. While the team is believed to be setting a high asking price for Ojulari – along with veteran receiver Darius Slayton – Russini’s colleague Dan Duggan notes a fifth-round pick represents the best-case scenario for New York at this point. A lone Day 3 selection may tempt the front office to risk a free agent departure and a resultant 2026 compensatory pick, but a team confident in extending Ojulari (as the Bears did last year with Montez Sweat, for instance) could be willing to pay a higher price.

Much of the speculation and deals during the 2024 season have revolved around the receiver position, but the edge rush market figures to be worth watching closely in advance of the deadline. Ojulari in particular should be the subject of many more conversations between the Giants and teams looking for a second-half boost on defense.

6 comments Arizona Cardinals Atlanta Falcons New York Giants

Giants Place K Greg Joseph On IR, Elevate Irish Gaelic Footballer

By | at November 2, 2024 5:11 pm

The Giants were forced to scramble early in the season when kicker Graham Gano went down with a groin injury in Week 2. Now, as Gano’s replacement Greg Joseph deals with an abdominal injury, New York will get creative once again. Per ESPN’s Jordan Raanan, Joseph’s injury will land him on injured reserve, and the team will utilize a standard gameday practice squad elevation on kicker Jude McAtamney to replace him this weekend.

In the aftermath of the Gano injury, Joseph was signed off of the Lions’ practice squad. The Giants had auditioned a number of free agent kickers but opted instead for Joseph, who was waiting in the wings behind UFL star Jake Bates. Joseph has been admirable in replacement duty, converting 13 of his 16 field goal attempts, with all three misses coming from beyond 40 yards. He also assisted an uninspiring offense, converting all six of the extra points he was asked to kick.

New York had ruled out Joseph for tomorrow’s game with the injury to his abdomen already, but placing him on IR means that he’ll miss at least three additional contests. The Giants are not going external once again to fill their newly vacant kicker position, instead choosing to elevate the practice squad kicker McAtamney. He seemingly was not prepared to step up in Week 3, but the Giants will trust him to debut in the NFL tomorrow.

McAtamney is a former Gaelic football player from North Ireland. After gaining an interest in American football, McAtamney trained with ProKick Australia and moved to America to play at Chowan University and Rutgers. He made 12 of 18 field goal attempts for the Scarlet Knights with a long of 49 yards and converted 23 of 24 extra points. As a native Irishman, McAtamney qualified for the NFL’s international roster exemption, allowing him to be on the Giants’ practice squad without counting towards the 16-man limit.

Joining McAtamney from the practice squad tomorrow will be outside linebacker Tomon Fox, who is not being elevated but signed to the active roster to fill the roster spot vacated by Joseph. Filling Fox’s spot on the practice squad is versatile fullback/tight end Jakob Johnson, who rejoins the team after being released on Wednesday.

2 comments New York Giants Transactions
Show all
Go To Pro Hockey Rumors
Go To Hoops Rumors