The New York Giants have a new general manager in Dave Gettleman and a new head coach in Pat Shurmur. The players they inherited were selected from the previous regime of Jerry Reese and, to a lesser degree, Ben McAdoo.
Gettleman and Shurmur have a vision of the direction they want the team to go in. In addition to decisions that must be made over players entering free agency, they must also decide whether or not to keep players who are not scheduled to enter the open market.
The Giants, naturally have to take a player’s on-field performance into consideration. They must also consider how keeping or cutting a player will affect the team’s bottom line from a financial standpoint.
The term “dead money” is used frequently this time of year. People who follow the NFL know dead money is not a good thing, but they may not know exactly what it is. Dead money, in laymen’s terms, is the salary cap space a team must allocate to pay a player once they’ve been cut. The purpose of dead money is to make sure that every dollar a team spends on players’ salaries eventually makes its way to that team’s salary cap. Teams try to have as little dead money on their books as possible.
The term “cap number” is also thrown around considerably. A player’s cap number is often different from the amount of money he was actually paid. The most common reason is because teams often prorate (or spread) signing bonuses throughout the life of a contract.
Here is a list of players the Giants may consider cutting, along with their guaranteed 2018 salary, bonuses, their cap number, savings against the cap (if applicable), and dead money (if applicable).
All monetary figures come courtesy of the website Over the Cap.
Cornerback Eli Apple
Guaranteed 2018 salary: $1,827,484; Bonuses: $2,304,952 prorated; Cap number: $4,132,436; Savings against the cap: N/A; Dead money: $4,609,904
Apple’s 2017 season was marred by suspensions and confrontations with coaches, executives, and teammates. It is difficult to imagine a scenario in which he remains on the team, especially when his play somewhat regressed when he was actually on the field in ’17. Apple is already the subject of trade rumors, though the Giants would not get back equal value for the mercurial cornerback.
Offensive lineman Ereck Flowers
Guaranteed 2018 salary: $2,397,522; Bonuses: $2,181,697 prorated; Cap number: $4,579,219; Savings against the cap: N/A; Dead money: $4,579,219
Flowers, like Apple, is a first-round draft pick. He has been wildly inconsistent during his Giants tenure. Spending the bulk of last offseason at the team’s facility working out did nothing to improve his game. He did himself no favors when he asked out of the regular season finale due to what many in the Giants organization believed was a phantom injury.
His running mate, Bobby Hart, has already been released. Flowers is entering the final year of his rookie contract. The Giants may give Flowers another chance to prove himself before looking to deal him. If the Giants do deal Flowers, they won’t get equal value for him.
Wide receiver/return specialist Dwayne Harris
Guaranteed 2018 salary: $3,225,000; Bonuses: $800,000 prorated, $25,000 workout; Cap number: $4,050,000; Savings against the cap: $2,450,000; Dead money: $1,600,000
-
Ep 38: Tyreek Hill Traded To The Dolphins
by Full Press Coverage on March 24, 2022 at 12:10 am
Harris’ 2017 season was cut short when he suffered a season-ending foot injury in the same game that saw Odell Beckham Jr. and Brandon Marshall suffer the same fate. Harris will be 31 when the season starts. He is predominately a special teams player who hasn’t justified his salary with his production. The Giants may want to move on.
Cornerback Janoris Jenkins
Guaranteed 2018 salary: $10,150,000; Bonuses: $2,000,000 prorated, $100,000 workout; Cap number: $13,000,000; Savings against the cap: $7,000,000; Dead money: $6,000,000
Jenkins was a Pro Bowler in 2016, a 11-5 playoff season. Last season, when the franchise set a record for losses, Jenkins checked out early. He didn’t return to the team after the bye week and was suspended after he didn’t offer an explanation why. Jenkins’ effort was a question mark even before having season-ending ankle surgery.
The Giants could part ways with Jackrabbit as a means of sending a message to the rest of the team. However, he’s too good. Jenkins is one of the NFL’s best corners when he plays to his potential. The Giants aren’t (or shouldn’t) cut off their nose to spite their face just to make a point.
Offensive lineman John Jerry
Guaranteed 2018 salary: $3,050,000; Bonuses: $800,000 prorated, roster $250,000, workout $25,000; Cap number: $4,125,000; Savings against the cap: $2,525,000; Dead money: $1,600,000
Jerry is the only offensive lineman to start every game for the Giants in each of the last two seasons. He started off slow in 2017 but eventually got it together enough to be a key contributor to the o-line. Jerry’s price tag and durability should mean the Giants will keep him around. If anything, he provides more options along the offensive line, something the Giants needed plenty of last season.
Wide receiver Brandon Marshall
Guaranteed 2018 salary: $5,000,000; Bonuses: $1,000,000 prorated, $500,000 roster; Cap number: $6,156,250; Savings against the cap: $5,156,250, Dead money: $1,000,000
Marshall’s first season with the Giants didn’t go according to plan. He only played in five games with 18 receptions for 154 yards. It was the first time in his career Marshall didn’t score a touchdown in a season. Marshall is third among active players in receiving yards (12,215) and touchdowns (82) He will also be 34 on Mar. 23 and coming off a season-ending ankle injury. The Giants already have Beckham, Evan Engram, and Sterling Shepard. If Marshall does return the Giants, his contract would need to be restructured with money on the back end.
Cornerback Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie
Guaranteed 2018 salary: $6,480,000; Bonuses: $2,000,000 prorated, $20,000 workout; Cap number: $8,500,000; Savings against the cap: $6,500,000; Dead money: $2,000,000
Rodgers-Cromartie had the best of times and worst of times in 2017. When he was on the field, he played well, exactly what you would expect from a savvy veteran. However, Rodgers-Cromartie also bickered with the coaching staff and served a suspension. He was contrite and showed that veteran leadership when Eli Apple started beefing with pretty much everyone.
Rodgers-Cromartie can still play at a high level and will probably benefit from the coaching change. At the same time, he will be 32 on Apr. 7 and the Giants could use the savings from releasing him on other areas of team need.
– Curtis Rawls is a Managing Editor for Full Press Coverage and covers the NFL and the New York Giants. Please like and follow on Facebook and Twitter. Curtis can be followed on Twitter @CuRawls203.
-
Ep 110: New Playoff Teams In 2022; Best Matchups On NFL Scehduleby Full Press Coverage on May 20, 2022 at 3:42 am
Clark, Ira, and Ian give their four teams that didn't make the NFL […]
-
Ep 109: Hall of Fame Voter Ed Bouchette Joins The Showby Full Press Coverage on May 12, 2022 at 6:28 pm
Long time Steelers writer and current Hall of Fame voter, Ed Bouchette […]
-
Ep 108: Hall of Famer Bryant Young Returns To The Showby Full Press Coverage on May 6, 2022 at 1:45 am
Pro Football Hall of Famer Bryant Young returns to the show to talk with […]
-
Ep 107: Pro Football HOF President Jim Porter Returns To The Showby Full Press Coverage on April 27, 2022 at 6:58 pm
Clark and Ira are once again joined by the Pro Football Hall of Fame's […]
-
Ep 106: Remembering Pat Tillman w/ Former Cardinals Coach Dave McGinnisby Full Press Coverage on April 21, 2022 at 12:43 pm
Former Cardinals head coach Dave McGinnis joins Clark and Ira to remember […]
-
Ep 105: Who Are The Top 5 Quarterbacks of All Time?by Full Press Coverage on April 15, 2022 at 12:46 am
Who is the most underrated quarterback of all time? The most overrated? […]
-
Ep 104: John McClain Joins The Show To Talk Retirement and Houston Sportsby Full Press Coverage on April 8, 2022 at 2:50 am
Former Texans beat reporter for the Houston Chronicle, John McClain, joins […]
-
Ep 103: Discussing The New NFL OT Rules With Upton Bellby Full Press Coverage on March 31, 2022 at 10:11 pm
Former NFL executive Upton Bell joins Clark and Ian to discuss the latest […]
-
Ep 110: New Playoff Teams In 2022; Best Matchups On NFL Scehduleby Full Press Coverage on May 20, 2022 at 3:42 am
Clark, Ira, and Ian give their four teams that didn't make the NFL […]
-
Ep 109: Hall of Fame Voter Ed Bouchette Joins The Showby Full Press Coverage on May 12, 2022 at 6:28 pm
Long time Steelers writer and current Hall of Fame voter, Ed Bouchette […]
-
Ep 108: Hall of Famer Bryant Young Returns To The Showby Full Press Coverage on May 6, 2022 at 1:45 am
Pro Football Hall of Famer Bryant Young returns to the show to talk with […]
-
Ep 107: Pro Football HOF President Jim Porter Returns To The Showby Full Press Coverage on April 27, 2022 at 6:58 pm
Clark and Ira are once again joined by the Pro Football Hall of Fame's […]
-
Ep 106: Remembering Pat Tillman w/ Former Cardinals Coach Dave McGinnisby Full Press Coverage on April 21, 2022 at 12:43 pm
Former Cardinals head coach Dave McGinnis joins Clark and Ira to remember […]
-
Ep 105: Who Are The Top 5 Quarterbacks of All Time?by Full Press Coverage on April 15, 2022 at 12:46 am
Who is the most underrated quarterback of all time? The most overrated? […]
-
Ep 104: John McClain Joins The Show To Talk Retirement and Houston Sportsby Full Press Coverage on April 8, 2022 at 2:50 am
Former Texans beat reporter for the Houston Chronicle, John McClain, joins […]
-
Ep 103: Discussing The New NFL OT Rules With Upton Bellby Full Press Coverage on March 31, 2022 at 10:11 pm
Former NFL executive Upton Bell joins Clark and Ian to discuss the latest […]
-
Ep 231: Sons of Dynasty Draftsby Full Press Coverage on May 19, 2022 at 9:28 pm
-
Ep 230: Early Rookie Draft Seasonby Full Press Coverage on May 10, 2022 at 7:58 pm
-
Ep 229: Fantasy Fallout From the NFL Draftby Full Press Coverage on May 6, 2022 at 10:52 pm
-
Ep 228: Pre-NFL Draft Dynasty Rookie Draftby Full Press Coverage on April 27, 2022 at 2:52 am
-
5/11 - Patriots Depth Chart, Contract Issues, Smoked Meat, and Ernie Adams With Matt Chathamby Full Press Coverage on May 11, 2021 at 7:54 pm
Matt Chatham joins Steve, Murph, and Clare to talk Patriots depth chart, […]
-
5/4 - Good, Bad, and Ugly From NFL Draft With Evan Lazarby Full Press Coverage on May 4, 2021 at 7:39 pm
Evan Lazar of CLNS Media joins Steve, Murph, and Claire to recap the […]
-
Which Athlete Do You Want To See Roasted?by Full Press Coverage on May 24, 2022 at 2:40 pm
Ian and John discuss the upcoming Tom Brady roast and which athlete they […]
-
Warriors Take Commanding Lead; How Can The Celtics Rebound? (5/23)by Full Press Coverage on May 23, 2022 at 3:37 pm
Ian and John discuss the Warriors commanding 3-0 series lead over the […]
-
5/23 - Red Sox; NBA Playoffs; Tom Brady Roastby Full Press Coverage on May 23, 2022 at 3:32 pm
Ian and John discuss the Red Sox recent surge, the Warriors lead over the […]
-
Celtics Rebound In Game Two; Series Heads To Bostonby Full Press Coverage on May 21, 2022 at 11:00 am
Ian and John discuss the Celtics big game two win over the Heat as the […]
-
Lightning On Way To A Three-Peat? (5/20)by Full Press Coverage on May 20, 2022 at 4:18 pm
Ian and John discuss the Tampa Bay Lightning and their 2-0 series lead […]
-
5/20 - Tampa Bay Lightning; Celtics Blow Out Heatby Full Press Coverage on May 20, 2022 at 1:41 pm
Ian and John discuss the Tampa Bay Lightning's quest for a third-straight […]
-
5/16 - Celtics Advance; Jayson Tatum; Golden State; NBA Playoffsby Full Press Coverage on May 17, 2022 at 4:35 pm
Ian and John react to the Celtics game seven win over the Bucks and Jayson […]
-
NFL Schedule Release Reaction (5/13)by Full Press Coverage on May 14, 2022 at 10:45 am
Ian and John discuss the release of the NFL schedule.
-
Ep 38: Tyreek Hill Traded To The Dolphinsby Full Press Coverage on March 24, 2022 at 12:10 am
Ian and Braden react to the trade of Tyreek Hill from the Chiefs to the […]
-
Ep 37: Matt Ryan Traded To The Colts; Jameis Returns To NOLA; Mariota to ATLby Full Press Coverage on March 23, 2022 at 6:00 pm
Ian and Braden react to the trade of Matt Ryan to the Indianapolis Colts […]
-
Talkamania Episode 226by Talkamania on May 16, 2022 at 11:23 pm
-
Talkamania Episode 225by Talkamania on April 2, 2022 at 3:03 pm
-
Boot 2 The Face Episode 183 "The Streets Been Waiting"by Boot 2 The Face on May 15, 2022 at 4:59 pm
Sponsored by athleticgreens.com/EMERGING
-
Boot 2 The Face Episode 182 "Mr. Toni Storm"by Boot 2 The Face on May 2, 2022 at 12:30 am
Marty and Rucker here again talking baseball, new action figures and the […]
-
Ep.1: NIL And Voidby Full Press Coverage on May 24, 2022 at 8:00 am
-
Episode 49 Criss Partee and Sava from Courtside (YouTube) run down the latest NBA newsby Full Press Coverage on May 24, 2022 at 4:50 am
-
Ep.38: Titles, Tantrums, and Assorted Clowneryby Full Press Coverage on May 23, 2022 at 7:59 pm
-
5/23 - Red Sox; NBA Playoffs; Tom Brady Roastby Full Press Coverage on May 23, 2022 at 3:32 pm
-
Ep 9: Wildly Early Predictions Of The 2022 Patriots Scheduleby Full Press Coverage on May 23, 2022 at 3:24 am
-
Ep 114: Paul Londonby Full Press Coverage on May 21, 2022 at 2:00 pm
-
Ep 131: Packers Fan Series with LosDeeMixby Full Press Coverage on May 20, 2022 at 8:49 pm
-
Which Athlete Do You Want To See Roasted?by Full Press Coverage on May 24, 2022 at 2:40 pm
-
Warriors Take Commanding Lead; How Can The Celtics Rebound? (5/23)by Full Press Coverage on May 23, 2022 at 3:37 pm
-
5/23 - Red Sox; NBA Playoffs; Tom Brady Roastby Full Press Coverage on May 23, 2022 at 3:32 pm
-
Celtics Rebound In Game Two; Series Heads To Bostonby Full Press Coverage on May 21, 2022 at 11:00 am
-
Lightning On Way To A Three-Peat? (5/20)by Full Press Coverage on May 20, 2022 at 4:18 pm
-
5/20 - Tampa Bay Lightning; Celtics Blow Out Heatby Full Press Coverage on May 20, 2022 at 1:41 pm
-
5/16 - Celtics Advance; Jayson Tatum; Golden State; NBA Playoffsby Full Press Coverage on May 17, 2022 at 4:35 pm
-
NFL Schedule Release Reaction (5/13)by Full Press Coverage on May 14, 2022 at 10:45 am
-
Tom Brady's New Broadcasting Deal (5/13)by Full Press Coverage on May 13, 2022 at 9:45 pm
-
Celtics, Bucks Game Six, NBA Playoffs, Joel Embiid and James Harden (5/13)by Full Press Coverage on May 13, 2022 at 3:38 pm