3 surprise cuts NY Giants could make this offseason

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) /

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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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