Whether the Giants win or lose on Sunday, their season may well end. They removed the ability to control their own destiny by losing three consecutive games, even as NFC East continued to crumble around them.
So now the Giants have to beat the Dallas Cowboys on Sunday at the end of the regular season at MetLife Stadium … and also get some help from the Eagles, who will have to beat Washington on Sunday night to get Big Blue back to the playoffs.
If the Giants are eliminated on Sunday, it will be time for them to turn their attention to 2021.
There are big decisions coming to the front office, the technical committee and the squad.
For some, Sunday will be their last game as members of the Giants organization.
We identified 14 – those who could be fired, cut or replaced and those who are becoming free agents:
Fired, cut or negotiated
– GM Dave Gettleman: There’s a lot written about Gettleman’s job security right now. His seat is certainly warm, although it is difficult to assess how much credit the co-owner John Mara will give Gettleman for the positive direction of the Giants. Many of your problems are your own. There have been some rumors that the Giants could try to reassign Gettleman to a different role or that he would retire. Most likely, no decision has been made yet. It may not be on black Monday, either.
– OC Jason Garrett: It may not be a foregone conclusion that Garrett is out after the season, but the Giants will need to point a finger at someone for the flaws of the attack – and Daniel Jones’ lack of development – and the easiest culprit is Garrett. He inherited a group of allegedly talented weapons and all but one (Evan Engram) have worse numbers than in 2019. The offensive line has been a mess for most of the season. Garrett was also very conservative for a team that struggled to score all year.
– WR Golden Tate: The Giants would likely cut Tate in 2021 (saving more than $ 6 million) before the season even started. He consolidated that with his bad game (35 receptions, 388 yards, two touchdowns) and immaturity. One of Gettleman’s worst hires.
– G Will Hernandez: He was the ironman of the Giants for 2.5 seasons, never missing a chance. Now, he is a reserve who only managed to collect 10 attempts last week against the Ravens. He is a quality NFL player for beginners and the Giants may be able to save some value if they tried to exchange it in this off season.
– G Kevin Zeitler: Or, if the Giants can cut / trade Zeitler and save a lot of money ($ 12 million) while making Hernandez and newcomer Shane Lemieux their holders in both guard positions. Zeitler, however, has been the best and most consistent striker for the Giants for two years and they shouldn’t be in the habit of getting rid of players like these.
– LB David Mayo: He was solid in 2019, but his weaknesses were explored this season, when he had some significant playing time. The Giants save $ 2.3 million by cutting it.
– TE Levine Toilolo: He is basically an offensive lineman playing tight end and is very well paid for it. Cutting it would save almost $ 3 million.
– C Spencer Pulley: The support center did not play in the attack this season and the Giants would save $ 2.75 million by eliminating it.
Impending free agents
– DL Leonard Williams: The Giants have a difficult decision coming with Williams. On the one hand, he has arguably been the best defensive player this season, achieving a record 8.5 sacks in his career and being a disruptive force for most of the season (in addition to the last few games). The Giants have given up a lot to get it … but it will cost a LOT. Probably in the range of $ 18-22 million per season, the current rate for first-line defensive players. If the Giants bring Williams back, it could hinder their ability to rehearse someone else on the list – or to chase players in other positions of need in this off-season.
– DT Dalvin Tomlinson: This is the second half of the Giants’ difficult decision. Tomlinson is a leader, highly respected in the locker room and one of the best defensive tackles in the NFL. But the Giants will probably have to choose between keeping Tomlinson or Williams. Tomlinson will be cheaper than Williams, but he is also not a factor in the quick pass. Interesting decisions ahead.
– RB Wayne Gallman: Gallman showed what he can do this season, when he really has opportunities. Running after free agency markets is not exactly robust today, but it will be interesting to see if Gallman goes elsewhere where he can get consistent touches, which will not be there with Saquon Barkley returning in 2021.
– OLB Kyler Fackrell: He was well before getting hurt, accumulating three bags and an interception in 11 games. Maybe he’ll come back cheaper.
– OT Cam Fleming: Surprisingly, he started all 15 games, as the Giants chose not to use newcomer Matt Peart as a starter yet. He had his ups and downs. The Giants should probably move on, although it was defensible for him to return … as a reserve.
– RB Dion Lewis: He was a little disappointing as a back running back this season, winning just 108 yards on 28 loads, with 19 receptions on 127 yards. The Giants can do better (James White?) In finding a pass back this offseason. He has also been disappointing as a kick debtor.
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