As per Over the Cap, the New York Giants currently possess around $21.84 million in salary cap space for the offseason. While this amount is not insignificant, it may not be sufficient to address the team’s roster needs adequately. However, The Athletic’s NYG insider, Dan Duggan, has identified a contract restructure involving left tackle Andrew Thomas that he deems a “no-brainer” and could potentially save the Giants $14.4 million. Duggan points out that Thomas, who signed a five-year, $117.5 million extension in July, offers ample flexibility for the organization to rearrange the financial aspects of the deal.
“Andrew Thomas Identified as Ideal Candidate for Contract Restructure, Potentially Saving Giants $14.4 Million in Cap Space”
NYG insider Dan Duggan highlights left tackle Andrew Thomas as the perfect candidate for a contract restructure. Thomas, who signed a five-year, $117.5 million extension in July, currently has a $14.2 million salary in 2024 along with a $5 million roster bonus due on March 17. By maximizing the restructure, the Giants could create cap savings of $14.4 million. However, if the restructure is not completed before the roster bonus deadline, the maximum savings would decrease to $10.4 million. Duggan notes that given Thomas’ track record, salary guarantees, and overall importance to the team, the long-term impact on the salary cap would be minimal.
The importance of Andrew Thomas to the Giants’ offense was evident in the 2023 season. During his absence, the team struggled, going 2-5 and experiencing offensive difficulties, particularly in pass protection. Upon Thomas’ return, with quarterbacks Tommy DeVito and Tyrod Taylor, the offense showed improvement, averaging 19 points per game and going 4-5 in the final nine weeks. While Thomas’ overall performance in 2023 was solid but not elite, he remained the team’s standout offensive lineman. Going into the 2024 season, Thomas’ availability will be crucial for the Giants as they aim to make a comeback.
Duggan and Bleacher Report Agree: Giants Expected to Cut Mark Glowinski in 2024
According to NYG insider Dan Duggan, veteran guard Mark Glowinski is widely considered the “most obvious” candidate for release this offseason, a sentiment echoed by Bleacher Report back in January. Duggan suggests that General Manager Joe Schoen’s decision to cut Glowinski would generate $5.7 million in salary cap savings, with a $1.5 million dead money charge. The three-year, $18.8 million contract Glowinski signed in 2022 was initially seen as a two-year deal, and his loss of the starting right guard position, coupled with the team’s reluctance to restructure his contract, indicated that his time with the Giants was coming to an end.
Duggan also emphasizes that addressing the guard position should be a priority for the Giants in free agency. He notes that the average salary for quality guards in recent years has typically started in the $8 million range, suggesting that significant investment may be necessary to secure a capable replacement.
