Giants Bring Back Offensive Lineman Evan Neal

Former first-round pick returns to New York after missing 2025 season

Published on Mar. 11, 2026

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The New York Giants are re-signing offensive lineman Evan Neal, a former first-round draft pick who did not play at all during the 2025 NFL season. The move comes as a surprise after Neal's disappointing rookie campaign, but the Giants are giving him another chance to prove himself.

Why it matters

The Giants are hoping Neal can regain the form that made him a highly touted prospect coming out of college. If he can bounce back, it would provide a major boost to the team's offensive line and give quarterback Daniel Jones more protection. However, there are questions about why Neal struggled so much in his first year and whether he can turn things around.

The details

After being selected 7th overall by the Giants in the 2025 NFL Draft, Neal started all 17 games for the team but struggled mightily, earning poor grades from scouting services. He was benched multiple times during the season and the Giants ultimately decided to move on from him. But now, the team is giving Neal another opportunity to prove himself and earn a spot on the roster.

  • Neal was drafted by the Giants in the 1st round of the 2025 NFL Draft.
  • Neal started all 17 games for the Giants in the 2025 season.
  • The Giants are re-signing Neal ahead of the 2026 NFL season.

The players

Evan Neal

A former 1st-round draft pick of the New York Giants who struggled during his rookie season in 2025 and did not play at all.

New York Giants

The NFL franchise based in New York City that is re-signing offensive lineman Evan Neal after he missed the 2025 season.

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What they’re saying

“We believe Evan still has a lot of potential and we want to give him another chance to prove himself and earn a spot on our roster.”

— John Mara, Giants Owner (bigblueview.com)

What’s next

The Giants will evaluate Neal's progress during the offseason program and training camp to determine if he can earn a starting job on the offensive line for the 2026 season.

The takeaway

This move represents a gamble by the Giants, who are hoping that a year off will allow Neal to reset and regain the form that made him a high draft pick. If he can bounce back, it would be a major boost for the team's offense, but there are no guarantees he will be able to turn things around.