Giants 53-man roster projection: A brutal decision at QB could lead to the departure of a once beloved player
The New York Giants have multiple tough decisions to make before roster cutdown day on Tuesday, before the start of the 2025 NFL season.
The New York Giants wrapped up their 2025 preseason games with a massive 42-10 victory over the New England Patriots. They must now focus on trimming down their roster before Tuesday’s deadline at 4 p.m. ET.
On Friday, the team announced eight players they will be releasing. The head start helped establish the vision for what the Giants could plan to do.
Let’s dig into how this roster could look on Tuesday based on who’s stood out the most this preseason.
Quarterback (3)
IN: Russell Wilson, Jameis Winston, Jaxson Dart
OUT: Tommy DeVito
The skinny: DeVito had a fantastic finish to his preseason when set up to go out with a bang. But everyone in Giants circles understands how the team operated this offseason at QB, that DeVito would be the odd man out.
Running Back (4)
IN: Tyrone Tracy, Cam Skattebo, Devin Singletary, Dante Miller
OUT: Jonathan Ward
The skinny: Miller is the most notable player being kept, as the Giants only had three running backs last year on cutdown day. His impact as a receiver could serve a role in relief of anyone who gets injured, and he shined on special teams in numerous areas.
Wide Receiver (6)
IN: Malik Nabers, Darius Slayton, Wan’Dale Robinson, Jalin Hyatt, Beaux Collins, Ihmir Smith-Marsette
OUT: Montrell Washington, Dalen Cambre, Jordan Bly, Gunner Olszewski, Lil’Jordan Humphrey, Da’Quan Felton, Zach Pascal, Juice Wells Jr.
The skinny: Washington’s early removal helped paint a picture of the Giants’ plans for the WR room. The team was impressed by UDFA Collins and hopes to develop him this season. If they attempted to move him to the practice squad, he’d likely get scooped up by a WR-needy team.
Considering Olszewski was a late addition to camp, it feels like Smith-Marsette will be the return man. On the Giants’ last unofficial depth chart, Smith-Marsette occupied the top spot while Olszewski was buried.
Tight End (4)
IN: Theo Johnson, Daniel Bellinger, Chris Manhertz, Greg Dulcich
OUT: Thomas Fidone II, Jermaine Terry II
The skinny: Dulcich’s production during preseason games seems to have solidified his role with the team. Fidone may have been a 2025 draft pick, but he likely fits better as a practice squad player for the time being.
Offensive Line (10)
IN: Andrew Thomas, John Michael Schmitz Jr., Jon Runyan, Greg Van Roten, Jermaine Eluemunor, James Hudson III, Evan Neal, Marcus Mbow, Joshua Ezeudu, Austin Schlottman
OUT: Stone Forsythe, Jake Kubas, Jaison Williams, Aaron Stinnie, Bryan Hudson
The skinny: The offensive line won’t have any surprises, as the Giants were intentional about which guys they wanted to provide quality depth for this year. The most intriguing part to monitor is if Mbow gets the nod as the sixth OL and next man in.
Defensive Tackle (5)
IN: Rakeem Nunez-Roches, Dexter Lawrence II, Roy Robertson-Harris, Darius Alexander, Elijah Chatman
OUT: D.J. Davidson, Jordon Riley, Cory Durden, Jeremiah Ledbetter, Elijah Garcia
The skinny: Giants fans understand the dominant talent in their interior defensive line. The one name that stands out is Chatman, who’s developing a cult following for his versatility as a fullback and backup defensive lineman.
EDGE (4)
IN: Kayvon Thibodeaux, Chauncey Golston, Brian Burns, Abdul Carter
OUT: Trace Ford, Tomon Fox
The skinny: The pass rushers on this roster are easily the most talented group. It was going to be impossible for anyone to crack this lineup.
Linebacker (4)
IN: Bobby Okereke, Darius Muasau, Micah McFadden, Chris Board
OUT: Demetrius Flannigan-Fowles, Dyontae Johnson, K.J. Cloyd
The skinny: Linebacker is another defensive position with reliable starters and quality depth. Muasau and Board are valued for their roles, so it would have taken an immaculate preseason performance to unseat either.
Cornerback (6)
IN: Paulson Adebo, Tre Hawkins III, Deonte Banks, Cor’Dale Flott, Dru Phillips, Art Green
OUT: O’Donnell Fortune, Korie Black, Dee Williams, Nic Jones, T.J. Moore
The skinny: The attention on the cornerbacks has much more to do with who will be the second starting outside cornerback opposite Adebo. We might not get clarity on that for some time, but it feels like Flott will get the nod ahead of Banks.
Safety (4)
IN: Tyler Nubin, Dane Belton, Jevon Holland, Raheem Layne
OUT: Makari Paige, K’Von Wallace
The skinny: Nubin, Holland, and Belton will be a driving force for the Giants’ defensive success this year. However, the number of massive plays that the backup defensive backs gave up during preseason games may open the door for the Giants to prioritize signing a big-name player that another team releases.
Specialists (3)
IN: Case Kreiter, Jamie Gillan, Graham Gano
OUT: Jude McAtamney
The skinny: There was some speculation coming into this preseason that Gano could be on the way out at the end of his career. Considering McAtamey saw the primary share of kicks, it indicated that they wanted to save Gano’s leg. Trying to preserve their once reliable veteran is a strong context for the team knowing what they have.
