Giants free-agent predictions: Who will be back, who will leave in 2025?

None of the New York Giants free agents this year will move the needle like quarterback Daniel Jones, running back Saquon Barkley and safety Xavier McKinney did in the past two offseasons.

This years group is full of role-playing starters and backups.

The Giants got a jump on the process by re-signing outside linebacker Tomon Fox and long snapper Casey Kreiter before free agency starts on Monday.

They have 25 other players set to hit the open market.

Here are predictions for who will be back and who will leave: The Seahawks wanted to keep Lock as their backup last offseason, but he chose to leave for New York for a better shot at playing time.

That didnt go as planned.

At all.

Even when Jones got benched midway through the season, the Giants inexplicably leapfrogged Lock on the depth chart and inserted third-stringer Tommy DeVito as the starter.

Advertisement Lock said all the right things, but he understandably wasnt happy with the decision.

He made five roller-coaster starts down the stretch, including a stunning four-touchdown outburst in a Week 17 win over the Colts.

Its hard to imagine either side having interest in continuing this partnership.

DeVito has been the Giants least suspenseful free agent, with general manager Joe Schoen repeatedly referencing the New Jersey native as being the only quarterback under contract.

That hasnt been technically accurate, as DeVito still hasnt signed his exclusive rights free agent (ERFA) tender.

But thats a formality that must be done by Wednesday.

The one-year, $1 million contract will carry no guaranteed money, so DeVito again will need to fight for a roster spot in an overhauled quarterback room.

Boyle completing downfield passes during a second-half cameo in Week 15 blowout loss to the Ravens was like an oasis for an offense starved for deep balls.

But that was Boyles only game action after joining the team in the wake of Jones release.

The Giants could bring Boyle back to have another arm during the offseason program.

And his two stints as Aaron Rodgers backup could increase his chances of sticking around if the Giants sign the four-time MVP.

But odds are the Giants will look for a fresh start at quarterback aside from DeVito.

GO DEEPER What I heard about the Giants at NFL combine: QB plan, free agent targets and trading up The time to lock up Slayton was last offseason when he skipped voluntary workouts in search of a raise.

The Giants didnt show any interest in an extension then, so Slayton will hit the open market now.

Its hard to envision a return since the 28-year-olds age and speed will make him desirable in a free-agent class littered with aging receivers.

The three-year, $39 million contracts receivers Darnell Mooney and Gabe Davis fetched in free agency last offseason seem like a logical target for Slayton.

The Giants didnt seriously entertain offers for Slayton at the trade deadline, so he figures to be the latest player to leave for nothing in free agency.

Advertisement The Giants signed Smith-Marsette in Week 2 after returner Gunner Olszewski was put on IR with a groin injury.

Smith-Marsette solidified the returner spot, highlighted by a 100-yard kickoff return touchdown in Week 17.

Bringing the 25-year-old back on a minimum contract should be a slam dunk decision.

GIANTS KICKOFF RETURN TD TO OPEN THE HALF.

: #INDvsNYG on FOX : https://t.co/waVpO909ge pic.twitter.com/PTgjMqqBBp NFL (@NFL) December 29, 2024 Olszewski was the 2023 version of Smith-Marsette, signing during the season and emerging as the apparent solution to the Giants lengthy search for a quality returner.

But Olszewski suffered a groin injury last preseason and then suffered a major setback during warmups for the season opener that required surgery.

Smith-Marsette claimed the return job while Olszewski spent the entire season on injured reserve.

Its possible Olszewski could return on a minimum contract, but it would make more sense to seek a fresh start elsewhere.

On the surface, it seems like a no-brainer for the Giants and Manhertz to run it back.

After being a Broncos cap casualty last offseason, Manhertz signed a minimum contract with the Giants.

The ninth-year veteran came exactly as advertised as a quality blocker and model teammate.

The potential catch with a reunion could be the cost.

The Giants surely would be happy to re-sign Manhertz to another minimum deal.

But he hadnt been a minimum-salary player on his two previous contracts.

This is a tough call, but Im leaning toward the Giants moving on while Manhertz seeks more money on the market.

Theres mutual interest in Van Roten returning to the Giants, but the price could be a hang up.

The Giants got a bargain last year, as Van Roten played every snap at right guard and center after signing a one-year, $3 million contract a week into training camp.

Advertisement Van Roten showed hes willing to wait for the right opportunity last offseason and the Giants figure to explore upgrades in the free-agent market.

It could take time for this situation to reach a resolution, but it seems likely the Giants will spend more on a younger right guard, which will cause the 35-year-old Van Roten to wait for an opportunity elsewhere.

Hubbard was an emergency signing after Andrew Thomas season-ending injury in Week 6.

Hubbard was immediately thrust into the lineup and was overmatched at left tackle, a position he had rarely played in his 11-year career.

Its hard to envision the 33-year-old is in the plans as the Giants reshape their offensive line depth.

Stinnie was signed to a minimum contract last offseason.

He was in the mix for a starting guard job early in training camp before Van Roten signed and the line was reshuffled.

Stinnie started three games at left guard late in the season after Jon Runyan got injured.

Stinnie would be fine to bring back as cheap depth, but the Giants may want a younger option than the 31-year-old.

Watts had a rough stint with the Giants.

Signed in Week 7, Watts was put on IR with a shoulder injury in Week 13.

He returned in Week 17 and promptly suffered a knee injury.

Though its unclear how long the knee injury will sideline Watts, its doubtful the Giants will hold a roster spot for him.

Horne tore his Achilles in the preseason opener and missed the entire season.

Horne is still recovering from the injury, so the only chance he returns to the Giants is if they need defensive tackle depth later in the offseason.

The Giants havent closed the door on re-signing Ojulari, but they should have tried to extend him at any time over the past year if keeping him was a priority.

Its hard to see a path back to the Giants for Ojulari, who is likely headed for a one-year prove-it deal after suffering yet another injury that caused him to miss significant time at the end of last season.

Ojulari should be able to latch on with a contender like the Eagles as a pass-rush specialist or get more money from a team that offers an avenue to more playing time.

Ojulari would be stuck as the No.

3 outside linebacker behind Brian Burns and Kayvon Thibodeaux if he returns to New York.

Thats not an appealing situation if hes aiming to boost his value for next offseason.

Like with Slayton, the Giants held onto Ojulari at last seasons trade deadline and now will likely lose him for no return.

Advertisement The Giants signed Johnson off the Eagles practice squad in Week 3 for his special teams acumen.

He filled that role and added some defensive reps late in the season before suffering a knee injury in Week 15 that sent him to IR.

The Giants will be looking to upgrade their edge depth this offseason.

The Giants signed Adams to a minimum contract with nearly $1 million guaranteed last offseason.

That investment showed they valued the veteran special-teamer.

Adams could be back in that role, but theres typically turnover with these spots.

The Giants signed Summers to the practice squad before the start of last season and he immediately became a core special-teamer.

The six-year veteran remained in that role until getting snaps at inside linebacker when Bobby Okereke was injured late in the season.

The 29-year-old Summers brought a physical presence on defense that could make him appealing to re-sign to a minimum contract as a backup linebacker in addition to his special teams role.

The Giants have until Wednesday to tender Johnson, who is an ERFA.

That should be a no-brainer since the 2023 undrafted free agent flashed potential in the preseason opener and the regular-season finale last year.

Johnson missed all of the action in between with an ankle injury.

Jackson was a last-minute re-signing before last season when Schoen couldnt ignore the questions at cornerback.

Jackson played better in his role as a sub on a one-year, $1.7 million contract than he did in the final year of his three-year, $39 million deal in 2023.

The Giants need to invest in major upgrades at corner, so there doesnt figure to be a fit for the 29-year-old Jackson.

Simmons re-signed with the Giants on a one-year, $2 million contract three weeks into free agency last year.

Simmons expected to have a consistent role in sub packages like he did in Wink Martindales defense in 2023, but that never materialized under new defensive coordinator Shane Bowen.

Both sides will welcome a separation this offseason.

The Giants signed Stroman to the practice squad in Week 5 and he saw action in Week 8 against the Steelers after Deonte Banks in-game benching.

Stroman was passed on the depth chart by younger in-season additions and missed the final three games with a shin injury.

Its unlikely the 29-year-old will be back as the Giants seek upgrades to their corner depth.

Advertisement The Giants signed Wilson off the Cardinals practice squad in Week 15.

They were intrigued enough by the 25-year-old to put him into the rotation at corner for the season finale, so keeping the ERFA on a one-year minimum contract seems like an obvious move.

Pinnock was a find as a waiver claim by the Giants at the start of the 2022 season.

The converted cornerback started 37 games over the past three seasons.

With 2024 second-round pick Tyler Nubin at one safety spot, the Giants have been showing interest in upgrading the other spot this offseason.

That figures to leave Pinnock as the odd man out, unless the 25-year-old is interested in a modest deal to return as the third safety.

Rileys NFL career is likely over due to the neck injury he suffered in training camp last year.

Sutherland was a late training camp signing who suffered a burner in the third preseason game that landed him on IR for the season.

Hes not part of the Giants plans.

Theres mutual interest in keeping Gillan with the Giants.

A fourth season (or more) in New York depends on the sides finding a common ground on contract terms.

That shouldnt be a major hurdle in the punter market.

Gillan just finished a two-year, $4 million deal.

The top of the punter market is set just under $4 million annually.

There seems to be an obvious sweet spot around $3 million per year that lands the 27-year-old a raise but isnt at the top of the market.

(Top photo: Kathryn Riley / Getty Images).

This article has been shared from the original article on theathleticuk, here is the link to the original article.