New York Giants: 5 Key Veterans Who'll Take a Back Seat in 2012

Jamie Squire/Getty Images

Every year there are changes in personnel amongst NFL teams, and unfortunately for the New York Giants, some of that turnover has already begun. 

They were unable to re-sign Super Bowl hero Mario Manningham, who signed a deal with the San Francisco 49ers. He is just one player that will not be returning to the Giants in 2012, but are there also some veterans who could be bench warmers next season? 

This is a list of a few veteran players who'll either be playing for other squads because the Giants will not re-sign them, or who'll ride the bench to make way for younger, more promising players. 

Rocky Bernard

Chris Trotman/Getty Images

The Giants have not yet tapped in to the talent that 2011 second-round pick Marvin Austin showed in college, and thanks to his season-ending pectoral injury Rocky Bernard got a chance to come back. 

He was a solid backup, but nothing more. I do not see any room for Bernard on the roster with Austin, Linval Joseph and Chris Canty in the rotation. 

Aaron Ross

Andy Lyons/Getty Images

Despite an impressive showing during the 2011-2012 playoff run, the Giants seem fine with letting Aaron Ross chase money and/or a starting job. 

The Giants re-signed Terrell Thomas, Michael Coe and Justin Tryon; there is no room for Aaron Ross unless he tempers his expectations money-wise. 

**Update** 

Ross signed with the Jacksonville Jaguars for three years, $15 million, which is far above the Giants' price range. 

Kareem McKenzie

Nick Laham/Getty Images

Despite several years anchoring the right side of the offensive line, the Giants have told Kareem McKenzie they will not be re-signing him this season. 

McKenzie's skills clearly declined from 2010 to 2011 as he grows old in football years. He went from one of the best right tackles in 2010 to near the bottom in 2011. 

With James Brewer, or possibly a 2012 draft pick, waiting in the wings, the Giants need to move on.  

David Diehl

Jeff Zelevansky/Getty Images

David Diehl restructured his contract to stay with the New York Giants last week, but I fear he will lose his starting job this season. 

Diehl's 2011 season was pretty bad to say the least, and one should not expect him to get any better with another year under his belt. 

He might have another year left as the right tackle, but the Giants should just keep him around as a locker room presence and backup. 

Deon Grant

Patrick McDermott/Getty Images

Let me make one thing clear: Deon Grant is a great player and was a huge piece to their Super Bowl run this season. 

Unfortunately he is entering his 13th season in the NFL, and for some odd reason I get the feeling he will retire. Even if he does desire to keep playing, I'm not sure the Giants have the cap space to give him what he deserves. 

Tyler Sash and, God willing, Chad Jones can make up the production lost by Grant. Though I'm not sure they can replace his locker room presence.