Evan Neal has yet to live up to his draft status, and his time with the New York Giants could be coming to a close. Selected with the seventh-overall pick in the 2022 NFL Draft, the Alabama product was supposed to lock down the offensive line and keep then-quarterback Daniel Jones upright and healthy. That didn’t happen, as Neal was one of the worst tackles by every possible metric through his first three seasons in the league. New York tried to switch him to guard in 2025, but the offensive lineman missed the season while battling injuries.
While the Giants re-signed Evan Neal in the offseason, he’s no guarantee to make the roster. The former first-round pick signed a one-year deal with no guaranteed money, and he’s playing under a new head coach in John Harbaugh, who has no ties to the Alabama product. Currently lining up as the third-string guard, Dan Duggan of The Athletic reports that Neal is a “long shot” to make the Week 1 team.
A lot can happen between now and the start of the regular season, but it currently looks like Evan Neal has played his last snap with the Giants. Perhaps this is the end of his NFL career, but it’s more likely that another team brings him in to see if a change of scenery can unlock his collegiate form. While he’ll never be an All-Pro type of player, we have seen failed tackles make a name for themselves at guard before. There aren’t enough good blockers to go around, and one of the following teams could roll the dice on Neal if the Giants release him.
Giants Likely to Release Evan Neal; 3 Teams Could Be Interested
Houston Texans
The Houston Texans have a championship-caliber roster, but they have a glaring weakness along the offensive line. The unit is one of the worst in the league, and they’re responsible for protecting a non-elite quarterback in C.J. Stroud. While Stroud is more than capable of operating a passing attack when protection is good, he’s one of the league’s worst passers when under pressure. This trend dates back to his college days, and last year’s season-ending loss to the New England Patriots showed just how bad he can be without a clean pocket. Evan Neal probably won’t fix this offensive line, but it can’t hurt to bring him in and have him compete on a wide-open depth chart.
Los Angeles Chargers
The Los Angeles Chargers had an abysmal offensive line last year, as injuries and underperformance issues made Justin Herbert’s life a living hell. While the healthy return of tackles Joe Alt and Rashawn Slater should improve Herbert’s quality of life, this team could still use more help at the guard position. Los Angeles currently has first-round busts Cole Strange and Trevor Penning battling rookie Jake Slaughter for the starting jobs. Evan Neal might not be a proven commodity by any means, but he can’t be much worse than that aforementioned trio.
Arizona Cardinals
Jacoby Brissett and Gardner Minshew are adequate backup quarterbacks, but they don’t have the potential to be franchise saviors. While one of the two will start the season under center, it won’t be long before rookie Carson Beck earns the starting job. While Beck will need to prove himself as a legitimate NFL-caliber quarterback, the Cardinals must do everything in their power to increase his odds of success. Arizona has a below-average offensive line, and Evan Neal might be able to win the starting guard job if he finds his way to the desert. Worst comes to worst, it can’t hurt to bring him in and see what’s left in his tank.
