The New York Giants have run into some trouble when it comes to addressing this hole.
The New York Giants have spent a lot of money this offseason addressing problems on both sides of the ball, but they still have some prominent issues they need to fix.
One of the most glaring holes for the Giants at the moment is right guard, where Aaron Stinnie is currently penciled in as the starter.
That almost certainly won't last.
Greg Van Roten manned the position for New York the last two years and did a fine job, but the veteran is currently a free agent.
So, why haven't the Giants signed Van Roten — or perhaps Kevin Zeitler — to fill the right guard spot?
Dan Duggan of The Athletic has revealed the main roadblock New York is facing when it comes to patching the need.
"The delay in signing Zeitler or Van Roten is likely tied to finances," Duggan wrote.
The Giants have just $3 million in cap space right now.
"The 36-year-old Zeitler made $9 million on a one-year contract with the Titans last season. Nothing about his play suggests he should lower his asking price, and the Giants are likely unwilling to pay that much," Duggan added.
Greg Van Roten. Credit: Anne-Marie Caruso/NorthJersey.com / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images.But what about Van Roten?
"Van Roten has been an incredible bargain for the Giants, signing a one-year, $2 million contract during training camp in 2024 and then re-signing a one-year, $3.25 million contract last offseason," Duggan wrote. "Van Roten is a 36-year-old journeyman, but he has also outperformed two straight contracts with the Giants."
Duggan noted that because Van Roten is a Long Island native, perhaps he would take a discount to return to New York for the third straight season, but that the Giants would "still need to make a respectable offer."
Of course, New York could always select a guard in the NFL Draft next month, but with needs at defensive tackle, cornerback and wide receiver also looming, it may prove difficult for the Giants to justify taking a guard in the first two rounds.
Remember: New York does not currently own a third-round pick, so John Harbaugh and Co. are kind of strapped in terms of flexibility.
This is why trading down from the No. 5 overall pick and adding some extra draft capital may be the best way to go for the Giants, who really shouldn't be too enamored with any player slated to be available with their top draft choice.
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