First, the obvious caveat: All speculation about roster math in June is likely to go out the window when players start pulling quads and hamstrings in August.
That said, subject to health, the first four WR slots on the roster appear set: Parris Campbell, Darius Slayton, Jalin Hyatt, and Isaiah Hodgins are in. Wan'Dale Robinson is safe from waivers, though he might start the year on PUP. Behind those five, the staff will choose from a muddle of role players like Jamison Crowder, Collin Johnson, and Jeff Smith, plus a slew of lesser names that might distinguish themselves over the summer.
Then there's Sterling Shepard. The longest-serving Giant returns from ACL reconstruction on a one-year veteran minimum deal with no guaranteed money. If he looks like his old self in camp, he has a chance to make the team, though his low value on special teams narrows his path to the roster. For the long-term good of the team, I hope he gets cut unless he absolutely dazzles the staff.
But if Shepard does get cut, and he can still play, he could be an ideal addition to the practice squad. He is, by all accounts, a great teammate, a dogged worker committed to undervalued details like blocking, and a mentor to the younger WRs like Hyatt and Robinson who represent the future. And most important, although he's best-suited to the slot, he can step into several roles on offense capably when injuries hit the starters.
Under the current rules, the practice squad isn't a bad gig for a veteran like Shepard. He would make around $350K without exposure to gameday violence. Three elevations could push that number close to $500K. And if Shepard envisions a coaching career, another year in Groh's WR room with the talented kids could be a good resume item.
Just a thought for a June day when most of the big headlines relate to topics we can't discuss on BBI.
They signed him to a 2year $12m contract. Doesn’t seem like someone they aren’t pretty committed to.
Yes.
The Giants are as much about team building as they are about the current team, and it is hard to imagine Sterling being on the team next year.
"...the league is going to keep the number at 16 after being 10 just a few years ago, per NFL Media. The players who can be added to this group are players who do not have an accrued season of NFL experience, free agents who were on the active list for fewer than nine regular-season games during their only accrued season or seasons, and a maximum of 10 free agents who have earned no more than two accrued seasons. Teams can also have a maximum of six veterans with an unlimited amount of accrued seasons on their practice squads, as long the players in the latter two categories don't exceed 10."
The only "lock" who is in theoretical jeopardy is Hodgins, who can be waived with no cap consequences at all. That won't happen, but it could happen.
If they didn't expect him to pass a physical before the start of the season, there wasn't much reason to sign him. Some fuzzy ideas have been mentioned about courtesy, insurance, etc. that I don't think stand up to scrutiny because veterans with career-threatening injuries are protected in other ways.
First of all, I'm not sure you can put a 10 year vet on the practice squad. Second, it's disrespectful If he's healthy enough to play, you play him or cut him.
Pete in MD said:
On the "disrespectful" point, Landon Collins and Tony Jefferson had equal or greater seniority, and equally distinguished resumes, when they joined the practice squad last year. With the liberalized rules, there is no longer much stigma attached to the practice squad. It's an extension of the roster - especially where vested veterans are concerned.
I can't believe how our depth has improved in such a short time.
What's the definition of insanity? I fear that Mara's sentimentality is at it again and that's why we signed SS.
HE's definitely a lock.
Slayton has become the most underrated player here by far. He's not great but he's a legit pro WR. Without him in 2022 we don't make the playoffs. Again, that doesn't mean the guy is 2007 Terrel Owens but he's above replacement level that's for damn sure. He's making the team.
Quote:
it seems silly to try and rely on him because of his injury history but everyone agrees we all want him around the team and organization because he is such a great guy. I doubt the Giants are relying on him, but even still a roster spot for him seems silly given his history.
What's the definition of insanity? I fear that Mara's sentimentality is at it again and that's why we signed SS.
There hasn't been much done in the last year that shows signs on Mara's hands on it. And I doubt his sentimentality towards SS would give him a roster space.
We all saw/heard how great SS was on the sidelines and the locker room last year. If you are sentimental about him, you would have offered him a coaching position, not a roster spot
Shepard has had a lot of injuries, including several concussions. He should have retired at the end of last season. I was frankly surprised the Giants resigned him, but am fine keeping him on the PS, at least to start the season.
Even if a team has an interest in signing him on to the active roster, he may elect to stay on the PS here so as not to uproot himself and family. The financial incentive is smaller than it used to be.