When the New York Giants drafted offensive tackle Evan Neal from the Alabama Crimson Tide seventh overall in the 2022 NFL Draft, many analysts thought the Giants were getting a sure-fire right tackle for the next decade. A lot of scouts and other people across the league thought that Neal was a Top 10 pick in that draft class.
However, things have gone south for Neal ever since being in the NFL. He has not lived up to expectations at the tackle position and Neal has also been dealing with injuries. With this being the case, the Giants have finally decided to move him from tackle to guard. For now, Neal is not projected to be a starter on the offensive line, but things could change in training camp.
New York Giants Evan Neal’s Future With Team Depends On How 2025 Season Goes
Charlotte Carroll of The Athletic believes that the one Giants player on the roster to watch for when it comes to potential future contract negotiations is Neal. For now, he will not receive a new contract with the team, but things could change if Neal has an effective 2025 season with New York. Caroll said,
“The Giants declined to pick up Neal’s fifth-year option this spring, setting up the former No. 7 pick for a crucial 2025 season. Especially as he transitions from right tackle to guard after a disappointing start to his Giants tenure due to injuries and poor play. Neal earned plenty of starting reps this spring as the Giants managed their starters’ workloads. Now, Neal’s most likely path to a starting spot would be beating out the 35-year-old Greg Van Roten for the role of right guard. How the position switch goes will determine Neal’s future in New York.”
For now, the projected starting offensive line for the Giants will be Andrew Thomas at left tackle, Jon Runyan at left guard, John Michael Schmitz Jr. at center, Greg Van Roten at right guard, and Jermaine Eluemunor at right tackle. For now, the espn.com depth chart has Neal listed as the backup left guard, but Neal could beat out Van Roten at right guard, but it will be interesting to see how he looks in training camp for New York.
If he gets hurt again or does not look good during training camp or preseason game action, it could make general manager Joe Schoen’s decision really easy about what to do with Neal after the 2025 NFL season. It appears as if New York may not have plans to give him a contract extension, unless something unexpected happens during the season for Schoen to change his mind.
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