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Giants GM Joe Schoen Holds Steady at Trade Deadline, Waives McCloud and Haack

Giants General Manager Joe Schoen holds steady at the trade deadline, retaining Azeez Ojulari and Darius Slayton despite speculation.
giants hold steady
As the trade deadline passed, New York Giants General Manager Joe Schoen held steady, opting not to make any moves. The Giants chose not to trade Azeez Ojulari or Darius Slayton for future draft picks, leaving the front office without any major headlines. Although there was speculation that the Giants might trade players set to leave after the season, Schoen stressed the importance of continuing to evaluate value before making any decisions. With so much uncertainty still ahead, it’s difficult to predict what will unfold leading up to the draft as the next couple of months of the season play out.

Giants General Manager Joe Schoen Holds Steady at Deadline

Trade Talks Fall Through With Azeez Ojulari

Ojulari will remain with the Giants, at least for now. Despite exploring trade options before the NFL deadline, the Giants opted not to move him. Ojulari has recorded eight sacks in nine games, giving him 22 sacks in 44 career games. Several other edge defenders, however, were traded, including Preston Smith to the Steelers, Za’Darius Smith to the Lions, and Baron Browning to the Cardinals.

According to Dianna Russini of The Athletic, the Giants sought a late fourth-round or early fifth-round pick in exchange for Ojulari. However, with no deal meeting their demands, they decided to hold onto him, hoping to either re-sign him this offseason or potentially gain a compensatory pick if he signs with another team. Despite not getting a deal done, multiple teams reportedly showed interest in Ojulari. Still, the Giants weren’t willing to part with him unless they received the compensation they were looking for.

Darius Slayton Dodges Deadline

While several wide receivers were traded before the deadline, Darius Slayton remains with a giant. The now-veteran wideout has been a consistent contributor, leading the team in receiving yards in four of his five seasons. Currently, Slayton is on track for a career-high 886 receiving yards, surpassing 700 yards in four seasons but never quite breaking the 800-yard mark.

Slayton’s role on the offense has become even more valuable this season, especially as 2023 second-round pick Jalin Hyatt has yet to challenge his playing time. The Giants drafted Slayton in the fifth round of 2019 and will be a free agent at the end of the year. With no guarantees on his future in New York, the Giants will weigh their options—either re-signing him or potentially gaining a compensatory draft pick if he decides to leave in free agency.

After Failed Pay Cut Negotiations, CB Nick McCloud Waived

Even though Schoen held steady at the deadline, the Giants did make two roster moves. Starting by cutting cornerback Nick McCloud, who joined the Giants after being claimed off waivers from the Buffalo Bills before the 2022 season. During his time with the Giants, McCloud appeared in 38 games, contributed to the secondary, and was a key special teams player. McCloud’s career totals include 61 tackles (48 solo), two tackles for loss, one interception, 1.5 sacks, nine passes defended, three forced fumbles and three fumble recoveries. However, McCloud sustained a knee injury in the season opener and missed the following two games. This was when the Giants began pushing for a pay cut, which McCloud declined.

There were attempts to renegotiate his contract, which intensified following his knee injury. The Giants presented McCloud with several pay-cut options. Still, after he declined to accept a reduced salary, they made one final offer: take the minimum pay cut, or we are releasing you an ultimatum. McCloud opted for release, allowing the Giants to save $1.5 million. However, the net savings will likely be closer to $1 million, as they are expected to replace him with practice squad corner Greg Stroman. McCloud’s flexibility in the secondary and his role on special teams made him a valuable depth asset. A thin secondary remains of Deonte Banks, Cor’Dale Flott, Dru Phillips, Adoree Jackson, Tre Hawkins III, plus Greg Stroman and Art Green on the practice squad.

Moving On from P Matt Haack After Short Run

The Giants also part ways with punter Matt Haack, ending his brief time in New York after just four games. Haack signed with the Giants on October 12 to replace Jamie Gillan, who was sidelined with a hamstring injury and placed on injured reserve. Over his short tenure, Haack punted 21 times for 988 yards, averaging 47.0 yards per punt with a net of 39.0 yards. While he provided solid production during his time in the lineup, the Giants have opted to move in a different direction with Gillan’s return.

Main Image: Kevin R. Wexler / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

Jessica Coluzzi

Jessica Coluzzi

A 2021 graduate of SUNY Brockport with a Bachelor's Degree in Sports Management, she also worked at the University Preparatory Charter School for Young Men, besides serving as the Offensive Coordinator of the Upstate Predators in the GDFL. In 2024, Jess became the Head Coach for the Upstate Lady Predators in the WFA, favoring the cause of female leadership in a male-dominated sport. Through her writing and knowledge of football, Jess aims to engage fans by providing insights on game strategies and top stories in New York Giant Football.

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