As the New York Giants stumble through the 2024 season with a 2-6 record, speculation is swirling about potential moves they might make ahead of the NFL Trade Deadline. Expected to be sellers, the Giants could face interest from teams eyeing roster pieces. However, ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler reports that Evan Neal, the team’s often-injured offensive lineman, remains firmly off the trading block.
“Offensive lineman Evan Neal is a nonstarter in trade talks,” Fowler stated, noting that despite Neal’s inconsistent play and injury history, the Giants aren’t willing to part ways with him. Selected 7th overall in the 2022 NFL Draft, Neal has yet to complete a full season, with injuries interrupting each of his three NFL campaigns. This season has been no different, as Neal has been sidelined for the first eight games due to another ankle injury following offseason surgery.
Giants’ O-Line Woes: A Three-Year Struggle
Even without Neal, New York’s offensive line has been a consistent weakness. The Giants ranked last in sacks allowed last season, surrendering a staggering 85 sacks—second-most in NFL history. The current season hasn’t seen much improvement, as the line ranks 29th in sacks allowed. This struggle to protect the quarterback has been a primary factor in the Giants’ anemic offensive performance, where they rank 31st in scoring.
The ongoing issues on the offensive line have placed added pressure on Giants general manager Joe Schoen, who prioritized drafting wide receiver Malik Nabers in 2024 over offensive line reinforcements. While Nabers shows star potential, the protection issues remain glaring, suggesting that Schoen may need to overhaul the line if he hopes to see offensive consistency.
A Complicated Decision Ahead
Despite Neal’s setbacks, the Giants appear unwilling to part with the former first-round pick just yet, banking on his potential to solidify the line if he can stay healthy. Yet, with the trade deadline closing in and New York’s season on the ropes, Schoen may have to address more than just a single roster move if he’s to position the Giants for success in 2025.
For now, Giants fans can only watch and wait, hoping that Neal’s eventual return can help shore up a line that’s been battered and bruised—and that Schoen has a long-term plan to protect whoever lines up at quarterback next season. Will Neal be the answer to the Giants’ offensive line struggles, or is it time to make bold changes?
