3 surprise cuts the NY Giants could make this offseason

EAST RUTHERFORD, NEW JERSEY - SEPTEMBER 14: (NEW YORK DAILIES OUT) Evan Engram #88 of the New York Giants in action against Steven Nelson #22 of the Pittsburgh Steelers at MetLife Stadium on September 14, 2020 in East Rutherford, New Jersey. The Steelers defeated the Giants 26-16. (Photo by Jim McIsaac/Getty Images)
EAST RUTHERFORD, NEW JERSEY - SEPTEMBER 14: (NEW YORK DAILIES OUT) Evan Engram #88 of the New York Giants in action against Steven Nelson #22 of the Pittsburgh Steelers at MetLife Stadium on September 14, 2020 in East Rutherford, New Jersey. The Steelers defeated the Giants 26-16. (Photo by Jim McIsaac/Getty Images)
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Kevin Zeitler, NY Giants
New York Giants guard Kevin Zeitler (Mandatory Credit: Vincent Carchietta-USA TODAY Sports)

2) RG Kevin Zeitler

Kevin Zeitler has been the New York’s most dominant offensive lineman the past two seasons, but he might have played his final game in a Giants uniform.

Zeitler, 30, allowed 28 pressures but just two sacks in 2020, producing a 65.9 overall grade from Pro Football Focus, as the Giants’ highest-graded offensive lineman. Offensive guard became a bit of a revolving door for the Giants in 2020, but Zeitler played 1,003 total snaps, as one of the line’s veteran anchors.

However, Zeitler’s cap number is set to balloon to $14.5 million in 2021, of which the Giants can clear $12 million off the books while absorbing a $2.5 million dead-money charge.

While rookie Shane Lemieux seemed overmatched last season, if the coaching staff believes Lemieux can take a step forward with the benefit of a full offseason program and full season under his belt, and feels equally comfortable in Will Hernandez or a rookie guard, Zeitler might prove expendable.

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