In 2024, it became clear that the New York Giants’ offensive line couldn’t return in the same shape for the upcoming season. While the quarterback play was highly inconsistent, the OL was equally at fault for the disappointing season, and finished 28th in PFSN’s OL+ metric.
While the Giants have been improving their OL for quite a few years now, the unit could still use some help going into the 2025 season. New York doesn’t have a solid starter outside of left tackle Andrew and center, and is thus predicted to acquire a five-time Pro Bowl guard.
Giants Predicted To Select Five-Time Pro Bowler To Raise Floor Of OL
The Giants’ OL allowed 215 total pressures, 45 quarterback hits, and 48 sacks as a unit last season. They ranked 26th in pass-block win rate (56%) and 27th in run-block win rate (69%). And despite the quarterback releasing the ball at an average of 2.76 seconds, New York’s 38.4% pressure rate overall this season was one of the worst in the league (28th).
Last offseason, the Giants spent over $30 million to upgrade the offensive line, adding guard Jon Runyan and tackle Jermaine Eluemunor to solidify the line. While the season started well for the Giants, a season-ending injury to Andrew Thomas left New York experimenting with ten different offensive line combinations.
The Giants revamped their quarterback room this offseason, bringing in Russell Wilson, Jameis Winston, and drafting Jaxson Dart. However, to give the offense a chance to take the next step, strengthening the line should be a priority. New York only added depth pieces like swing tackles James Hudson and Stone Forsythe in free agency, and the Giants are currently the 28th-ranked offensive line in PFSN’s OL+ metric.
Now, PFSN’s Brandon Austin predicts they could add former Washington guard Brandon Scherff to bolster the unit.
“Outside of left tackle Andrew Thomas and center John Michael Schmitz Jr., every other spot on the offensive line is a question mark, with right guard being especially shaky,” Austin wrote. “Greg Van Roten is currently projected to start, but the Giants would be wise to explore veteran upgrades.
“Scherff, though past his prime at 33, remains one of the most reliable pass-blocking guards available. He didn’t allow a single sack over 592 pass-blocking snaps last season, a mark surpassed only by Trey Smith among all guards. While his last Pro Bowl came in 2021, Scherff still brings steady, veteran play that could immediately raise the floor of New York’s offensive line.”
Top Earning Guards in #NFL History
1. Zack Martin, $111.9M
2. Brandon Scherff, $111.2M
3. Joel Bitonio, $92.2M
4. Kevin Zeitler, $92M
5. Quenton Nelson, $84.2M— Spotrac (@spotrac) February 21, 2025
Scherff’s All-Pro selection in 2021 might seem like a long time ago, but he has remained one of the most reliable right guards in the entire NFL. He’s now played in all 17 games for three straight seasons, following a stretch where he missed at least three games in five consecutive years with Washington.
Scherff was rock-solid in pass protection in 2024, not giving up a single sack across 592 pass-blocking snaps, and if the Giants are serious about contending for the playoffs next season, adding a veteran like Scherff on a short-term deal should be a no-brainer.