The New York Giants are bracing for a transformative offseason following a disastrous 3-14 campaign in 2024. This marks one of the worst seasons in the franchise’s storied history, punctuated by a franchise-record ten consecutive losses and an unprecedented winless record in the NFC East. The writing is on the wall for significant changes, starting with the quarterback position. The Giants released Daniel Jones in November, just two years into a $140 million contract, signaling the need for a reset. However, the front office faces more challenging decisions beyond the quarterback position to rebuild for a brighter 2025 season and beyond.
Here are three major decisions Big Blue must consider this offseason:
1. Move on from Deonte Banks
Cornerback Deonte Banks, the Giants’ first-round pick in 2023, showed immense promise in his rookie year. However, his sophomore season was riddled with underperformance and negative headlines. The 23-year-old failed to register a single interception in 2024 and struggled with consistency. A particularly embarrassing moment came in Week 8 when Pittsburgh’s Najee Harris hurdled over him, a lowlight that led to his benching for a perceived lack of effort.
The Giants had hoped Banks would step up, especially after losing star safety Xavier McKinney to the Green Bay Packers in free agency. McKinney went on to have a career year, amplifying the pressure on Banks to fill the void. If Banks fails to demonstrate improvement during offseason workouts and training camp, the Giants may have no choice but to part ways with the former first-round pick.
2. Letting Go of Azeez Ojulari
Azeez Ojulari’s Giants career has been a story of unfulfilled potential. Drafted in the second round in 2021, Ojulari set a franchise rookie record with eight sacks that season. However, injuries derailed his progress, limiting him to just eight sacks over the next two seasons combined.
Despite showing signs of a resurgence with six sacks in 2024, Ojulari’s history of inconsistency and time on injured reserve raises questions about his future. With Dexter Lawrence set to return from injury in 2025 and Kayvon Thibodeaux and Brian Burns anchoring the pass rush, Ojulari could find himself expendable. The Giants had already explored trading him at the deadline in 2024, suggesting they may be ready to move on.
3. Saying Goodbye to Darius Slayton
Wide receiver Darius Slayton, a fifth-round pick in 2019, has been a steady contributor for the Giants over the years. However, with his contract expiring and a significant dip in production in 2024, it may be time for the team to let him walk in free agency.
After a career-best 770-yard season in 2023, Slayton managed just 573 yards and two touchdowns in 2024, the second-lowest totals of his career. While some of the blame lies with the Giants’ unstable quarterback situation, Slayton struggled to regain his previous form. At 27 years old, he’s unlikely to accept a contract for less than the $12 million extension he agreed to before the 2024 season.
With promising young receivers Malik Nabers, Wan’Dale Robinson, and Jalin Hyatt ready to step up, the Giants appear poised to prioritize youth over experience. Slayton’s departure seems inevitable as the team focuses on rebuilding its receiving corps.
The Giants’ front office faces a critical offseason, with tough choices that will shape the team’s future. While these decisions are difficult, they are necessary for a franchise seeking to reverse its fortunes and compete at a high level once again.
