Giants' 53-Man Roster: Predicting Who Stays and Who Goes After 2013 Season
The New York Giants arguably played their best game of the 2013 season against the Chicago Bears on Thursday Night Football, but three more Eli Manning interceptions resulted in another agonizing loss.
While they're far from mathematically eliminated from playoff contention, the Giants and their fans are likely beginning to look toward the future.
Here's a look at the 0-6 team's 53-man roster with projections for each player's fate heading into the 2014 campaign.
(All contract dates via Spotrac.com.)
Quarterbacks
1 of 12
Eli Manning
Signed through - 2015
Manning is on pace to throw 43 interceptions in 2013, a feat that would break the NFL record. With a battered offensive line, the two-time Super Bowl champion is having the worst season of his career. His immediate future isn't in jeopardy, but the Giants could begin to look for his replacement soon.
Fate - On 2014 roster
Curtis Painter
Signed through - 2014
Painter is not a legitimate threat to take Manning's job, and he is nothing more than a stand-in backup or third-string quarterback. He is easily replaceable.
Fate - Not on 2014 roster
Ryan Nassib
Signed through - 2016
Was Nassib drafted to eventually take the reigns of the Giants' offense after Manning? Probably. The fact that he couldn't beat out Painter for the No. 2 job is worrisome, but the tools are there. As a rookie fourth-round pick, he's not going anywhere.
Fate - On 2014 roster
Running Backs
2 of 12
Signed through - 2015
Wilson is nursing a serious neck injury, but the 22-year-old running back has not been placed on IR. He's a springy and explosive player who's struggled with consistency and ball security early in his career. However, he's certainly a valuable commodity for the future.
Fate - On 2014 roster
Brandon Jacobs
Signed through - 2013
After the injury bug stung the Giants backfield, Jacobs was brought back to New York due to his pass-blocking ability and familiarity with the offense. Seen to be well past his prime, Jacobs hasn't been a bad reinforcement. He ran 22 times for 106 yards with two touchdowns against the Bears. Unfortunately, at 31, it's doubtful Jacobs will be on the team next year.
Fate - Not on 2014 roster
Michael Cox
Signed through - 2016
Cox was a seventh-round selection in the 2013 draft, so the Giants aren't sure what they'll get from him just yet.
Fate - On 2014 roster
Da'Rel Scott
Signed through - undisclosed
After injuries to Wilson and Andre Brown, Scott was suddenly thought to receive a decent amount of the workload for the Giants. He only has 20 carries for 73 yards on the season. Scott is only 25 and was picked in the 2011 draft. He'll probably be safe for 2014.
Fate - On 2014 roster
John Conner
Signed through - 2013
A lead-blocking fullback signed in September, Conner replaced the injured Henry Hynoski. He'll likely battle with the incumbent starter when both are healthy next offseason.
Fate - On 2014 roster
Wide Receivers
3 of 12
Signed through - 2018
Cruz signed a monster contract extension this offseason and is the Giants' most explosive wide receiver. While he may not be the most polished route-runner, he'll be a franchise foundation for a while.
Fate - On 2014 roster
Signed through - 2013
While Nicks is more of a "traditional" No. 1 wideout than Cruz is, his contact situation is dicey, as he'll be a free agent at the end of the season. Regardless of who the coach is next season, Nicks needs to be on the Giants next year.
Fate - On 2014 roster
Rueben Randle
Signed through - 2015
Randle was a second-round pick in 2012 and has the physical and athletic makeup to be a quality possession receiver in the future. He's safe. The former LSU Tiger has 20 catches for 333 yards and three touchdowns through six games this season.
Fate - On 2014 roster
Louis Murphy
Signed through - 2013
Murphy has one catch for eight yards on the season, and his contract is up this year. He's a prime candidate to be gone before the start of the 2014 campaign.
Fate - Not on 2014 roster
Jerrel Jernigan
Signed through - 2014
Jernigan was a third-round pick in 2011 but has failed to live up to expectations as a quick-twitch slot receiver. He'll have to make a considerable stride to be on the team next season.
Fate - Not on 2014 roster
Marcus Harris
Signed through - Undisclosed
Harris is nothing more than a developmental wideout. He is in his second year out of Murray State.
Fate - Not on 2014 roster
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Tight Ends
4 of 12
Brandon Myers
Signed through - 2013
Myers was signed in the offseason to be the next productive tight end for the Giants. He has 18 receptions for 203 yards and one score through six games. His contract is voidable after the season. He should be re-signed. Letting him go unnecessarily creates another hole on this team.
Fate - On 2014 roster
Bear Pascoe
Signed through - 2013
Pascoe isn't a flashy tight end, but he's a good run-blocker. He's the type of player the Giants would be smart to keep around.
Fate - On 2014 roster
Adrien Robinson
Signed through - 2015
Robinson was a fourth-round pick in 2012; however, injuries have stunted his development in the NFL. At 6'4'' and 264 pounds, the 25-year-old should be on the roster next season.
Fate - On 2014 roster
Larry Donnell
Signed through - 2014
Donnell is a mammoth at 6'6'' and 270 pounds. He hasn't been effective early in the season. At this point, it's extremely hard to predict his future on the Giants.
Fate - Not on 2014 roster
Offensive Linemen
5 of 12
Will Beatty
Signed through - 2017
Beatty has played every offensive snap for the Giants this season at left tackle and has been decent. With many offensive line issues on this team, Beatty will certainly stick around.
Fate - On 2014 roster
James Brewer
Signed through - 2014
The 25-year-old Brewer was drafted in the fourth-round of the 2011 draft and has seen time at both guard spots during the 2013 season. While he's been far from dominant, he hasn't been a liability, either.
Fate - On 2014 roster
David Diehl
Signed through - 2013
Diehl has been a trooper for the Giants, having played just about every position on the offensive line during his rather productive career in New York. He's 33, and his contract is up at season's end. Sadly, it's time for the G-Men to move on.
Fate - Not on 2014 roster
Justin Pugh
Signed through - 2016
Pugh was New York's first-round pick in 2013 and has been the team's starting right tackle in all six games. He faltered early, but he turned in his best game against the Bears in Week 6. He's safe.
Fate - On 2014 roster
Kevin Boothe
Signed through - 2013
Boothe has been a gem as a late-round find for the Giants. He was drafted out of Cornell in the sixth-round of the 2006 draft. This season, he's played all the snaps at right guard and performed admirably. He could be re-signed at the end of the year.
Fate - On 2014 roster
David Baas
Signed through - 2015
An injury to Baas started the Giants problems up front. With a few more years left on his contract, the veteran will be kept.
Fate - On 2014 roster
Jim Cordle
Signed through - 2013
Cordle is a back-end depth center with a contract that expires at the end of the year. He's probably gone after the 2013 season.
Fate - Not on 2014 roster
Brandon Mosley
Signed through - 2015
Mosley is 6'5'' and 318 pounds and was a fourth-round pick in 2012. He'll likely compete for a starting job next season.
Fate - On 2014 roster.
Defensive Ends
6 of 12
Mathias Kiwanuka
Signed through - 2015
Listed as a defensive end this season, Kiwanuka has been an important, versatile defender for the Giants for the last five seasons. He'll be a part of the G-Men's defense next season.
Fate - On 2014 roster
Jason Pierre-Paul
Signed through - 2015
After a tremendous 2011 campaign, Pierre-Paul was considered one of the most disruptive defensive ends in the NFL. He's only 24 but has fallen off the last year-and-a-half due to nagging injuries. He's certainly safe.
Fate - On 2014 roster
Damontre Moore
Signed through - 2016
Moore was picked in Round 3 of the 2013 draft. He isn't the most explosive defensive end, but he has a bright future and will be groomed behind Pierre-Paul early in his NFL career.
Fate - On 2014 roster
Justin Tuck
Signed through - 2013
Tuck was once a cornerstone of the Giants famous defensive line. In the twilight of his career, he's become a solid run defender but doesn't offer much in terms of rushing the quarterback. The Giants will likely move on without him this upcoming offseason.
Fate - Not on 2014 roster
Defensive Tackles
7 of 12
Johnathan Hankins
Signed through - 2016
Hankins is an athletic defensive tackle who was picked by the Giants in the second round of the 2013 draft. He's in the team's long-term plans.
Fate - On 2014 roster
Cullen Jenkins
Signed through - 2015
The 32-year-old Jenkins has been a great lost-cost addition to New York's defense, especially as an interior pass-rusher. He'll be one of the few "elder" defensive players kept next season.
Fate - On 2014 roster
Linval Joseph
Signed through - 2013
The Giants will have a tough decision to make regarding Joseph. They'd like Hankins to step into his spot, but the youngster isn't ready, and Joseph has been a solid all-around player this season.
Fate - On 2014 roster
Mike Patterson
Signed through - 2013
The 30-year-old Patterson has dominated from his defensive tackle spot in 2013. Will the Giants be able to keep both him and Joseph? Probably.
Fate - On 2014 roster
Shaun Rogers
Signed through - 2013
Rogers is a decent run defender, but he doesn't provide much more than that. At 34 years of age, he'll probably be left off the 2014 roster.
Fate - Not on 2014 roster
Linebackers
8 of 12
Jon Beason
Signed through - 2014
Beason was acquired via a trade with the Carolina Panthers during the season. If healthy, he's a serviceable linebacker with experience. If he plays well, which he should, he'll be back.
Fate - On 2014 roster
Jacquian Williams
Signed through - 2014
Williams is a springy linebacker who's been mediocre this year for the Giants. He's only 25 and has another year on his contract. He's safe.
Fate - On 2014 roster
Keith Rivers
Signed through - 2013
The Giants haven't had the best linebacking corps over the past few seasons, but Rivers has been an adequate stand-in for New York. Don't be surprised if he sneaks onto next year's team.
Fate - On 2014 roster
Mark Herzlich
Signed through - 2013
Herzlich is nothing more than a downhill linebacker. Can he find a niche on the 2014 Giants in a situational role? Maybe. Don't count on it, though.
Fate - Not on 2014 roster
Spencer Paysinger
Signed through - 2013
Paysinger is an important player for the Giants, although he's not a Pro Bowl-caliber player. New York should re-sign him at season's end.
Fate - On 2014 roster
Allen Bradford
Signed through - 2014
Bradford is a developmental linebacker that could initially stick as a special teamer.
Fate - On 2014 roster
Cornerbacks
9 of 12
Prince Amukamara
Signed through - 2014
Amukamara was entering "bust" territory after inconsistent play in his first two seasons, but he's been a solid cover man in 2013. He's a good bet to be on the team in 2014.
Fate - On 2014 roster
Corey Webster
Signed through - 2014
The huge extension Webster signed in 2008 is voidable after the 2014 campaign, and at that point, the Giants may want to move on. But he's safe for now.
Fate - On 2014 roster
Terrell Thomas
Signed through - 2013
Thomas has recovered from multiple knee-ligament tears and has been a serviceable cornerback for the Giants. He very well may be re-signed at the end of the year. If a new coaching staff is brought in, he may be looking for work next season.
Fate - On 2014 roster
Jayron Hosley
Signed through - 2015
Hosley's dealt with injuries this season but has another year on his contract. He's been somewhat of a disappointment but has a nice nickel cornerback skill set.
Fate - On 2014 roster
Trumaine McBride
Signed through - 2013
McBride hasn't been an impact player for the Giants and is on the last year of his deal. He'll have a hard time hanging around.
Fate - Not on 2014 roster
Charles James
Signed through - 2013
James is a 23-year-old project cornerback. His future with the Giants is up in the air.
Fate - Not on 2014 roster
Safeties
10 of 12
Will Hill
Signed through - 2014
Hill is a sound situational safety, but he isn't a legitimate difference maker. Depending on the coach, he could be kept on the 2014 roster.
Fate - On 2014 roster
Antrel Rolle
Signed through - 2014
Though Rolle struggles in coverage, he's a leader on the defensive side of the ball and is a capable run-stuffer. The Giants will let him play out his contract.
Fate - On 2014 roster
Ryan Mundy
Signed through - 2013
Mundy is on the field frequently and should compete for a starting role next season.
Fate - On 2014 roster
Cooper Taylor
Signed through - 2016
Selected in the fifth-round of the 2013 draft out of Richmond, Taylor isn't a shoe-in to be considered for the 2014 roster if there's a new coaching staff, but he should make the team.
Fate - On 2014 roster
Specialists
11 of 12
Steve Weatherford
Signed through - 2016
Weatherford has been a consistent punter for the Giants. But they're easily replaceable. He'll likely be back.
Fate - On 2014 roster
Josh Brown
Signed through - 2013
Brown is 34. Kickers can be replaced without much production fluctuation.
Fate - Not on 2014 roster
Zak DeOssie
Signed through - 2015
He's a 29-year-old long-snapper. The Giants may bring in some competition, but he should be safe.
Fate - On 2014 roster
Players on Injured Reserve
12 of 12
Stevie Brown
Signed through - 2013
Brown was a ball-hawking safety in 2012 but was injured in the 2013 season. Even though his contract is up, at the ripe age of 26, he should be strongly considered for the 2014 roster.
Fate - On 2014 roster
Dan Connor
Signed through - 2013
Connor would have started in 2013, but he suffered a neck injury in September that ended his season. He's a candidate to be released in the offseason.
Fate - Not on 2014 roster
Henry Hynoski
Signed through - 2013
The Giants want to continue with Hynoski as their fullback. But now, he'll have to compete with the punishing John Conner next season. Even so, he'll be on the roster next year.
Fate - On 2014 roster
Aaron Ross
Signed through - 2013
Ross made his fair share of big plays for the Giants over the past five years, but he's 31 and is hurt again. A new coaching regime won't re-sign him.
Fate - Not on 2014 roster
Laron Scott
Signed through - 2014
If he makes an impact on special teams, he could be a part of next season's Giants squad.
Fate - On 2014 roster
Chris Snee
Signed through - 2014
Snee was a staple of the dominant New York offensive lines during the mid-2000s. If he takes a pay cut in 2014, he'll make the team.
Fate - On 2014 roster
Andre Brown
Signed through - 2013
Brown has dealt with a myriad of injuries during his career. When healthy, he's a serviceable between-the-tackles runner. If he plays well down the stretch in 2013, he may be a surprise member of the Giants next year.
Fate - On 2014 roster
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