Giants news, 1/15: Giants needs at corner, OL, Malik Nabers, Kayvon Thibodeaux, more headlines

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New York Giants news for Wednesday

From Big Blue View

Other Giant observations

Malik Nabers nominated for Pepsi Rookie of the Year | Giants.com

Following a standout first season in the NFL, wide receiver Malik Nabers has been nominated for the Pepsi Zero Sugar Rookie of the Year. The The other players nominated for the Pepsi Zero Sugar Rookie of the Year include: Broncos QB Bo Nix; Jaguars WR Brian Thomas Jr.; Raiders TE Brock Bowers; Buccaneers RB Bucky Irving; and Commanders QB Jayden Daniels

Nabers put together a rookie campaign for the history books as he finished with the Giants’ single-season record of 109 receptions, which he took for 1,204 yards and seven touchdowns. The receptions were two more than Steve Smith’s former franchise record of 107, which he set in 2009.

Bill Belichick: Eli Manning belongs in Hall of Fame

“Eli you don’t look that good in a hoodie, but you will look great in a gold jacket. I’m sure that’s gonna happen and you deserve it so much.”

Bill Belichick to Eli Manning on the ManningCast about his chances for the Hall of Fame class of 2025.pic.twitter.com/YXqdlXyWVY

— Giants Fans Online (@NYGFansOnline) January 14, 2025

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New York Giants’ Kayvon Thibodeaux fined for costly Week 18 penalty | USAToday.com

The league announced that Thibodeaux had been fined $16,883 for a roughing the passer penalty (blow to the head/neck) in Week 18 against the Philadelphia Eagles. The infraction occurred with just 1:51 remaining in the fourth quarter and the Giants trailing, 17-13. The Eagles were facing a third-and-11 from the Giants’ 37-yard line when quarterback Tanner McKee hit wide receiver Ainias Smith for a five-yard gain.

Six Potential Sam Darnold Landing Spots for 2025 Season As QB Hits Free Agency | SI.com

Darnold would be surrounded by a talented offense in New York with rookie standout Malik Nabers and running back Tyrone Tracy Jr. proving worthy of a big role next year. Two-way phenom Travis Hunter might be available to select at No. 3, too. But would Darnold consider a return to MetLife Stadium, where he spent the first three years of his career as the New York Jets’ former No. 3 pick?

How do Giants stack up among other QB-needy teams this offseason? (Hint: It’s not very high) | NJ.com

Group A is made up of teams that will almost certainly have a new starter by Week 1 — and if they don’t, something is seriously wrong with their front offices: the Browns, Titans, Raiders, Steelers, Jets and, of course, the Giants.

The Giants have their fair share of pros that would attract a QB: A young stud receiver in Malik Nabers, an offensive-minded head coach in Brian Daboll (once touted as a QB whisperer for his role in molding Josh Allen) and an All-Pro left tackle in Andrew Thomas.

NFL Team Needs Tracker: One 2025 NFL Draft prospect for all 32 teams | PFF

NEW YORK GIANTS: QB, OT, CB, S Day 1 or 2 option: QB Shedeur Sanders, Colorado

It’s no secret that the Giants need to find a franchise quarterback, and they will likely draft either Cam Ward or Shedeur Sanders if they are available when they come on the clock with the third overall selection. Sanders had a turnover-worthy play rate of just 1.2% in his final season at college.

Another member of Giants staff leaving for New England

The Giants’ Director of Strength and Conditioning, Frank Piraino, has been removed from the team’s website. He was hired 11 months ago after 5 seasons with the Titans.

— Doug Analytics (@Doug_Analytics) January 14, 2025

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Giants legend Victor Cruz talks state of team | Fox News

“I think we should get one of those veteran guys in free agency, build our roster for another year, be competitive the next year and then go all in on Arch Manning the next year after that,” Cruz said. “Now, we accrued a team through the draft and free agency. We have a year of a draft to put the guys in contention, to build our roster to the right way, build depth in all these positions. … Then, we go get a quarterback in free agency and see what happens.”

Giants 2025 Salary Cap Update: Carry Over, Dead Money Totals, and More | SI.com

According to Over the Cap, the New York Giants will carry over $1.172 million of leftover 2024 cap space into 2025. The Giants’ carryover cap amount is the third-lowest of all 32 teams, behind only the Jets ($345,919) and Panthers ($490,368).

The Giants are projected to have $43.380 million in cap space (before the carry-over amount is applied), which is the 16th most space in the league. The Giants currently have $27.299 million in dead money, the seventh most in the league. The bulk of that dead money ($22.1 million) comes from the Daniel Jones contract, which was terminated in November 2024.

NFL Star Darren Waller on Leaving NFL, Dealing With Substance Abuse, and More | Men’s Health

He also realized that he didn’t find joy or purpose at work. Walking away from America’s favorite sport (and $35 million on his contract) at age 31 left his peers and fans befuddled. “I don’t even know if playing football was a love. It was just that I’m good at it, and I know what it’s going to get me: some bread and for people to look at me and say, ‘Oh, that’s Darren Waller.’”