Giants make Evan Neal decision hoping to 'resuscitate' NFL career

It's never a good sign when a team declines the fifth-year option of a former first-round pick.

An occurrence that happens every year when teams make that decision, the New York Giants found themselves in that boat in regard to Evan Neal.

The No. 7 overall pick from the 2022 NFL Draft has been widely viewed as a bust through his first three seasons.

Following the news that New York declined Neal's 2026 option worth $16.7 million, it was also reported that the Alabama product will shift inside to right guard, according to Paul Schwartz of The New York Post.

"Neal this spring will attempt to resuscitate his failing NFL career with a move to guard. And it makes sense that, if he adapts and shows he can handle the mental and physical adjustments inherent with getting kicked to the interior of the line, a starting spot at right guard could be his for the taking," Schwartz wrote.

New York has flirted with the idea of kicking Neal inside following his failures at right tackle. Neal has struggled with injuries and when he's been on the field, he's left a lot to be desired.

Though his struggles in pass protection have ultimately doomed his career to this point, he did show some promise as a run blocker during his limited work in 2024. That could help his transition to guard.

It's likely the Giants will begin Neal at right guard where he'll compete with Greg Van Roten, who was re-signed this offseason. New York did use a fifth-round pick on Marcus Mbow, but they are starting him out at right tackle.

After the Giants declined his fifth-year option, this is truly a make-or-break season for Neal.