Giants Stir Trade Speculation by Clearing Cap Space

On Wednesday, the Giants ignited some trade conversations by making moves to free up salary cap space.

According to reports from ESPN, the team’s front office transformed part of the salaries of cornerback Paulson Adebo and safety Jevon Holland into signing bonuses. This maneuver has opened up over $4.8 million in salary cap space.

When combined with the already available $2.5 million, as noted in records from the NFL Players Association, the Giants find themselves in a better position as the NFL trade deadline looms.

Sources have indicated that the Giants are exploring their options at receiver, hinting that they might act if the right opportunity arises.

For the Giants (2-4), acquiring a receiver who has a contract through 2026 could provide a good complement to a healthy Malik Nabors and help rookie quarterback Jackson Dart develop next season. It might make more sense to target players familiar with head coach Brian Daboll’s system, like Vin Ridley from the Titans or Jerry Jeudy from the Browns, instead of chasing a rental player, especially with playoff chances looking slim.

Of course, the newly found cap space might just serve as room to execute smaller trades, like promoting someone from the practice squad or replacing someone on injured reserve.

Potential candidates include Jauan Jennings from the 49ers, Jaylen Waddle from the Dolphins, Chris Olave from the Saints, Jacobi Meyers from the Raiders, Dontaevion Wicks from the Packers, as well as Jeudy and Ridley.

After practice on Wednesday, general manager Joe Schoen, head coach Daboll, co-owner John Mara, senior personnel officer Chris Mara, and head trainer Ronnie Burns met with others. It was a typical scene, albeit with more varsity players present than usual.

Darius Slayton missed practice that day, which means the Giants might rely on Wan’Dale Robinson along with seldom-used receivers Lil’Jordan Humphrey, Jarrin Hiatt, and Beau Collins when they take the field again on Sunday.