The New York Giants are being predicted to part ways with a $30 million player.
Two years ago, the New York Giants signed offensive guard Jon Runyan Jr. in free agency, hoping he would help stabilize things on the interior.
The Giants handed Runyan a three-year, $30 million contract after a decent four-year showing with the Green Bay Packers, but at this point, it's a deal they would probably like to have back.
Runyan has been a full-time starter for New York since his acquisition, but he has been a massive disappointment, and Thomas Valentine of Pro Football Focus has listed the 28-year-old as the Giants' top cut candidate before free agency.
"Runyan’s 52.9 PFF grade was 65th out of 79 guards, and though he could remain as valuable depth for an offense that needs it, the Giants could aim to move on from him and address their needs at guard in the draft and free agency," Valentine wrote.
Chances are, New York is not going to be alright with Runyan's $11.75 million cap hit as a bench player, so releasing him definitely makes sense.
New York Giants guard Jon Runyan Jr. Credit: Vincent Carchietta-Imagn Images."Cutting Runyan would save the Giants a valuable $9.25 million as they veer toward free agency," Valentine added. "There’s every chance they could take an offensive lineman in their first few picks, even with the No. 5 selection in the 2026 NFL Draft."
New York currently has just $2.8 million in cap room, so Big Blue could use all of the money it can get. That's why parting ways with Runyan and saving that cash would be significant for the Giants.
I do not, however, agree with the notion that New York would find a replacement for Runyan with the fifth overall pick of the draft. While it's possible the Giants could take a tackle with their top draft choice, they certainly won't be selecting a guard.
Instead, New York can find another option in free agency, or it can take a guard a bit later in the draft next month.
Not only was Runyan's overall PFF grade in 2025 poor, but his 49.2 run-blocking grade was abysmal. He has never been the strongest run blocker, but his pass blocking has even taken a hit since his arrival in the Big Apple, too.
The Giants definitely need to find an upgrade at guard to protect Jaxson Dart and bolster the rushing attack for 2026.
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