Sportsnaut
An NFL insider believes the New York Giants will look to trade a former first-round bust ahead of the Nov. 4 deadline.
ESPN’s Dan Graziano reports offensive lineman Evan Neal, whom the Giants selected seventh overall in the 2022 NFL Draft, could be an under-the-radar trade candidate. The Giants declined the fifth-year option on Neal’s rookie contract, and he will be a free agent after the season.
“He has played tackle and guard for the Giants, but it has never quite worked out. He’s only 25 years old and was the No. 7 pick in 2022, so the talent is there. He’s eligible for free agency at the end of the season and doesn’t seem to be in New York’s long-term plans,” Graziano notes. “Almost everyone is looking to add offensive line depth this time of year, and there doesn’t seem to be much reason for the Giants not to move Neal if they were offered a pick.”
Neal has started only 27 games since entering the league and hasn’t played a snap this season. He was considered a top offensive lineman coming out of Alabama, but he has failed to live up to expectations.
In his career, Neal has allowed 11 sacks and 85 pressures while being penalized 17 times, including 14 false starts. He’s also been injury prone.
Neal is only 25, and teams seeking offensive line help could offer a late Day 3 pick in hopes of turning his career around. Whether he’s traded or not, Neal’s days with the Giants appear numbered.
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