Giants Players Who Need Impressive Camp to Avoid Being Cut

Offensive lineman Jalen Mayfield, a 2021 third-round pick of the Atlanta Falcons, has struggled to establish himself in the NFL. He made 16 starts as a rookie before missing all of 2022 with a back injury. The Falcons released him last offseason, and Mayfield spent most of 2023 on New York’s practice squad.

The 24-year-old is back as insurance, but he’s likely a practice-squad candidate barring a stellar training camp. The Giants added Runyan, Jermaine Eluemunor, Aaron Stinnie and undrafted rookie Jake Kubas to their offensive line this offseason.

Mayfield’s lone season as an NFL starter left plenty to be desired, as he was responsible for nine penalties and 11 sacks allowed, according to Pro Football Focus. There’s a chance he flashes enough of the potential that made him a third-round selection during camp sticks as a key depth player. However, New York is facing a crowded competition at guard.

Assuming Evan Neal gets another shot at right tackle, those guard spots are the only unsettled spots on the line. Andrew Thomas and John Michael Schmitz are entrenched at left tackle and center, respectively.

Releasing Mayfield would save just under $1 million in cap space, along with a valuable roster spot. If he’s viewed as nothing more than back-end depth, he can provide that on the practice squad.