The New York Giants are in the thick of roster cut-down weekend, and Brian Daboll and Joe Schoen face their most difficult decisions of the preseason. On Friday, the front office trimmed eight names from the roster:
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WR Jordan Bly
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ILB K.J. Cloyd
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CB O’Donnell Fortune
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ILB Dyontae Johnson
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C Jimmy Morrissey
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WR Zach Pascal
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WR Montrell Washington
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OL Jaison Williams
Those moves were the first step in a process that must conclude by Tuesday at 4 p.m. ET, when NFL rosters league-wide will be finalized at 53. The Giants’ most intriguing battles remain at quarterback, running back, and tight end — groups with depth, upside, and difficult math.
Brian Daboll’s Friday press conference gave hints at what the staff values most heading into the final cuts: accountability, execution, and consistency. The names that survive will reflect that.
Quarterbacks: The Wilson Era Begins, But How Many Stay?
The Giants signed Russell Wilson this offseason with a clear vision: to bring stability, leadership, and veteran savvy to a position that has defined the franchise’s struggles in recent years. At 35, Wilson isn’t the long-term answer, but his presence is designed to give New York a reliable bridge while they develop younger arms.
Jameis Winston has locked down the QB2 role. His command of the offense, highlighted by his touchdown strike to Jalin Hyatt against the Patriots, gives the Giants confidence in their depth. Daboll praised Hyatt for the route, but Winston’s decisiveness stood out as much as the finish.
The summer spotlight, though, has belonged to rookie Jaxson Dart. The Ole Miss product has impressed with his poise, highlighted by a broken-play 60-yard completion when he had to take a play call shouted from the sideline. Daboll admired his adaptability:
“Yeah, we got a play into him. That was the 60-yarder we yelled from the sideline. He did a nice job of handling that and turned a play in that probably wasn’t even on the opening part of the script … and made it a good play.”
Asked whether he’s consistently seen Dart execute at a high level, Daboll widened his answer:
“Yeah, I wouldn’t just say Jaxson, I’d say the entire team. It’s never going to be perfect. A game is never going to be perfect … can we self-correct and do it when it counts the most?”
That leaves Tommy DeVito as the question mark. A folk hero last year, DeVito has had a professional camp, but the math is tough. Daboll wouldn’t commit when asked if four quarterbacks were possible:
“We’ll have a lot of discussions on the roster and keep that in house, but Tommy’s been a pro since he’s been here, day one.”
Projection: Wilson, Winston, and Dart stay. DeVito heads to the practice squad if he clears waivers.
Running Backs: Variety and Depth
For years, the Giants leaned on Saquon Barkley as the centerpiece of their offense. With Barkley gone, this backfield looks different — but deeper.
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Devin Singletary is the reliable veteran. Entering his second year in New York, he’s valued for his pass protection and ability to stabilize the run game. His limited preseason workload suggests he’s a near lock.
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Tyrone Tracy Jr. has turned into a breakout candidate. After a promising rookie year, he’s displayed power and versatility, putting him on track to start the season as RB1.
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Dante Miller has been one of the preseason’s bright spots. His quickness and ability to break big runs make him an exciting change-of-pace option.
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Cam Skattebo has been the toughest to evaluate. Injuries have slowed his momentum, and Daboll admitted the coaching staff is balancing his reps with input from the medical team:
“He’s only had a few plays, so he needs to continue to stay healthy … hopefully every day he can do a little bit more throughout these next two weeks.”
The Giants are suddenly in a position of strength. Singletary’s steadiness, Tracy’s upside, Miller’s spark, and Skattebo’s potential give Daboll four viable options.
Projection: Singletary, Tracy, and Miller are safe. Skattebo makes the roster if his health allows; otherwise, he’s a prime practice squad stash.
Tight Ends: A Deep and Competitive Room
If there’s a surprise strength on this Giants roster, it’s at tight end — where the mix of veterans and young upside players has created a fierce battle.
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Greg Dulcich has emerged as a difference-maker. His preseason production — including multiple touchdowns — highlighted his ability to stretch the field vertically. Daboll’s offense leans on versatility, and Dulcich provides it.
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Theo Johnson, the rookie from Penn State, has impressed with his size and athleticism. At 6’6” with red-zone potential, he’s a future mismatch piece. His blocking needs refinement, but his ceiling makes him too valuable to risk cutting.
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Thomas Fidone flashed throughout camp, showing soft hands and strong movement skills. Like Johnson, he represents developmental upside that fits New York’s longer-term plans.
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Chris Manhertz is the steadying veteran. A blocking specialist, his skill set can’t be replicated by the others, making him valuable in short-yardage and heavy packages.
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Daniel Bellinger is the tricky case. Once seen as a long-term starter, he’s now fighting for a spot in a crowded room. Reliable and tough, Bellinger could be squeezed out if the Giants opt for youth plus specialists.
Projection: Dulcich and Johnson are locks. Manhertz makes it for his blocking. Fidone edges his way on as a developmental piece. Bellinger stays only if the Giants carry five, which isn’t impossible given Daboll’s affinity for multi-TE sets.
Daboll’s Standard: Execution Above All
The Giants went 3-0 in the preseason, and the sideline energy was palpable. But Daboll downplayed the significance of August wins:
“This is a week-to-week league. Each week, you have to be ready to go and be at your best … one week doesn’t carry over to the next week just like one season doesn’t carry over.”
Instead, his focus is on execution:
“Are you making the proper decision at the quarterback position and throwing the ball where it needs to be, on time, in rhythm? Are you reading the play the right way when you’re a running back and gaining yards after contact? … Executing your responsibility is an important part of being a good football team.”
That lens explains why Dart has risen, why Dulcich has separated himself, and why a player like Singletary is quietly invaluable.
Final Word
By Tuesday afternoon, the Giants’ roster will be set. Some names are obvious: Wilson, Winston, Dart, Singletary, Tracy, Dulcich, and Johnson. Others hang in the balance: DeVito, Skattebo, Fidone, and Bellinger.
These final decisions will reflect how Daboll and Schoen balance present needs with future development. A roster that once felt thin at the skill positions now faces the opposite challenge: choosing between depth and upside.
For a team that finished the preseason undefeated and heads into 2025 with renewed optimism, those are good problems to have.
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