Pro Football Rumors
Midseason trades involving offensive linemen are rare given the importance of healthy depth at the position. It would not entirely come as a surprise if Evan Neal were to be on the move, though.
The fourth-year Giant has yet to play this season. Neal was unable to earn a starting spot at the right guard position during training camp, another underwhelming development in his NFL career. The former No. 7 pick has struggled when on the field as a tackle and falling out of the team’s plans could result in a parting of ways via trade. It appears a change of scenery is something Neal would be on board with.
“I haven’t really heard much internally, but that’s something that’s out of my control,” he said when speaking about a potential trade (via Charlotte Carroll of The Athletic). “So whatever happens, happens… At this point, whatever happens come the deadline, I welcome it.”
Neal’s desire for clarity on his future is understandable. The Giants declined his fifth-year option this past spring, meaning he is a pending free agent. The Alabama product’s trade value as a rental would be very limited of course, but the Giants’ loss on Sunday dropped them to 2-7. As such, a seller’s stance should be in store with respect to the team’s approach on the trade front.
Any number of contenders could be interested in Neal as depth for the stretch run. The Seahawks are in the market for an interior O-line move, so they could be a suitor. Other teams seeking an inexpensive addition could touch base with New York as well, and the team’s approach would be interesting to monitor in that case. Taking on the remainder of Neal’s 2025 salary ($1.1MM) would not be an issue for any acquiring team.
