Giants player on roster bubble with most at stake in 2026 NFL preseason finale
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The New York Giants paid John Harbaugh roughly $100 million to restore pride to the franchise, and by extension, its long-suffering fan base. Many people expected him to bring in his former Baltimore Ravens players and cut ties with some of Big Blue’s underachieving talent. The first part quickly came to fruition during free agency, but the new man in charge has extended second chances to “draft busts” who predate his arrival.
That group includes offensive lineman Evan Neal. New York stunningly re-signed the former No. 7 overall pick in March, choosing to continue his conversion from tackle to guard under Harbaugh’s leadership. A spot on the 53-man roster remains uncertain, but the Giants have been incredibly patient with him. Neal will try to prove them right in the team’s final preseason game on Friday night and force the organization to retain him past the final round of cuts.
Because the former Alabama powerhouse is still on the squad despite performing poorly and missing the entire 2025 campaign, it is easy to assume that he will find a way to survive once again. Joe Schoen, the man who drafted him in 2022, recently inked a contract extension. Neal’s status with the Giants could be in a fragile state, though.
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The consensus is that the G-Men will go into the 2026 season with nine OL, and if that is the case, then this national champion and All-American is likely fighting with Aaron Stinnie for a backup guard spot. An exhibition clash with the New York Jets could determine his fate.
Giants’ Evan Neal must leave it all on the field in MetLife Stadium
Neal allowed 11 sacks and 85 pressures in his first three years with New York, according to Pro Football Focus. He lumbered on the outside, causing management to finally initiate a position change ahead of the 2025 campaign. The team tried him on the inside during training camp, but a lack of faith and a hamstring injury sidelined him for the entire slate. Harbaugh and his coaching staff were hopeful that they could salvage his time in the Meadowlands.
The results are still to be determined, but he has not exactly been a summer standout. The revamped Giants have operated in a meritocracy so far. Those who impress on the field are earning more opportunities. Neal was solid for most of his 42-snap outing in New York’s 26-3 preseason victory over the Miami Dolphins last Saturday, and if he can stay strong against the Jets, perhaps Harbaugh will have a tough decision to make.
The 6-foot-7, 340-pounder was actually a dependable run-blocker across the nine games he played in 2024 and excelled in that area versus Miami. A man of his size could offer tremendous value on the interior offensive line. He cannot loose his footing, though. Neal’s discipline and instincts have long drawn scrutiny. Those weaknesses, along with his infamous burger-flipper comments from 2023, will define his Giants tenure if he is sent packing next week.
Evan Neal does not have to be a lost cause, however. Under a Super Bowl-winning HC who holds players accountable, this 25-year-old can potentially curb his bad habits and prove that he belongs in the Giants’ trenches. But there are no more “ifs” and “maybes.” It is now or never, at least in a Giants uniform.
The MetLife Bowl is scheduled for a 7:30 p.m. ET kickoff time on Friday.
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