The New York Giants enter the 2025 offseason at a crossroads, with 30 players set to hit free agency. Following a 3-14 season that exposed glaring weaknesses across the roster, General Manager Joe Schoen and Head Coach Brian Daboll are tasked with making critical decisions to reshape the team. With notable contributors like Azeez Ojulari, Darius Slayton, and Adoree’ Jackson among those potentially departing, the stakes couldn’t be higher for a franchise in rebuild mode.
Azeez Ojulari: High upside, but is it worth the risk?
One of the most debated names on the Giants’ free agency list is edge rusher Azeez Ojulari. At just 24 years old, Ojulari has demonstrated elite potential when healthy, recording 26 sacks and 109 pressures in his young career. However, his persistent injury struggles have limited his availability, raising questions about his long-term reliability. With Kayvon Thibodeaux and Brian Burns solidifying the edge-rushing spots, the Giants may prioritize depth over committing significant resources to Ojulari.
Potential suitors for Ojulari include playoff contenders like the San Francisco 49ers and Cincinnati Bengals, both of whom could benefit from his explosiveness in pass-rush situations. Should the Giants let him walk, they stand to gain flexibility in addressing other pressing needs, such as offensive line or secondary depth.
Darius Slayton: A veteran leader or an expendable asset?
Wide receiver Darius Slayton finds himself in a precarious position this offseason. As a dependable veteran, Slayton provided stability in a young receiving corps throughout the 2024 season. However, with rising stars like Malik Nabers and Wan’Dale Robinson, and murmurs of increased opportunities for Jalin Hyatt, Slayton’s role may be diminishing.
The Giants’ decision to retain Slayton will likely hinge on his asking price. If the veteran remains affordable, he could bring invaluable experience to a receiver group still developing chemistry. However, if re-signing him limits the team’s ability to address other areas, Schoen may opt to let him test the free agency market, where wide receiver-needy teams could view him as a reliable depth option.
Key players likely to stay: Pinnock and special teams anchors
While some names may depart, others seem certain to return. Safety Jason Pinnock, who emerged as a critical defensive piece in 2024, is expected to be a priority. Pinnock’s ability to make plays in coverage and his versatility in the secondary make him a cornerstone for the Giants’ defensive future.
On special teams, punter Jamie Gillan and long snapper Casey Kreiter are strong candidates for retention. Gillan, though not statistically dominant (43.7-yard gross average), excelled at limiting opponent returns and pinning teams deep. Kreiter’s consistency as a long snapper, coupled with his leadership as the last standing team captain in 2024, makes him an invaluable presence despite his age (34).
Exclusive rights players like quarterback Tommy DeVito and linebacker Dyontae Johnson are also expected to return. DeVito’s familiarity with the offensive system provides low-cost depth at quarterback, while Johnson’s late-season flashes could earn him a larger role in 2025.
Players likely to leave: Lock, Simmons, and Olszewski
Not everyone will be back in blue next season. Quarterbacks Drew Lock and Tim Boyle appear unlikely to return as the Giants search for a more stable solution at the position. Lock, despite a standout Week 17 performance, has never shown the consistency needed to lead an offense, and Boyle’s role as a placeholder in 2024 leaves little incentive to re-sign him.
On defense, linebacker Isaiah Simmons is another likely departure. Simmons, a former first-round pick, struggled to find a defined role in the Giants’ defensive scheme, often underutilized in key situations. His versatility may attract interest elsewhere, but his lack of a consistent role makes his return to New York unlikely. Similarly, return specialist Gunner Olszewski is expected to be let go in favor of younger talent. With Ihmir Smith-Marsette proving his value as a dynamic returner — highlighted by a 100-yard kickoff return for a touchdown in Week 16 — the Giants can allocate Olszewski’s roster spot elsewhere.
Salary cap strategy: Managing resources for a rebuild
With significant roster holes to address, including on the offensive line, at quarterback, and in the secondary, the Giants must be strategic in their approach to free agency. Letting go of injury-prone or underperforming players like Azeez Ojulari and Isaiah Simmons could free up valuable cap space. These funds could be used to pursue impactful free agents, invest in younger players, or secure high-value draft picks.
General Manager Joe Schoen may also explore restructuring veteran contracts to create additional financial flexibility. The team could consider deploying the franchise tag or offering short-term “prove-it” deals to key players like Jason Pinnock, ensuring production without overcommitting long-term resources.
Impact on the broader NFL market
Decisions made by the Giants this offseason will ripple across the league. Players like Azeez Ojulari and Darius Slayton are expected to draw interest from playoff contenders seeking to bolster their rosters. For instance, Ojulari’s pass-rush potential could make him a coveted target for teams like the San Francisco 49ers or Green Bay Packers. Meanwhile, Slayton could find a role with organizations in need of a steady receiving option, particularly those with younger quarterbacks looking for a reliable target.
From the Giants’ perspective, losing such players could generate compensatory draft picks, offering a silver lining as the team rebuilds for the future.
What lies ahead for the Giants?
As the free agency negotiation window opens on March 10, the Giants face one of their most consequential offseasons in recent memory. Every decision — from deciding which veterans to retain, to targeting key free agents, to preparing for the upcoming NFL Draft — will shape the trajectory of the franchise for years to come.
The quarterback position remains the most pressing question for the Giants. With Drew Lock and Tim Boyle likely out of the picture, the team must act decisively, whether through free agency, a trade, or a high draft pick. Addressing deficiencies on the offensive line and bolstering the secondary will also be critical to fielding a competitive team in 2025.
For fans, the hope is that Joe Schoen and Brian Daboll can capitalize on this pivotal offseason, building a roster that can compete in the NFC East and beyond. With tough decisions looming and limited resources, the margin for error is slim. The upcoming weeks will reveal whether the Giants can take the first steps toward reclaiming their place among the NFL’s elite.
