A surprising trade just ahead of Preseason Week 2 has shaken up the rosters of the New York Giants and Jacksonville Jaguars.
The Giants decided to move on from veteran offensive guard Daniel Faalele, opening up more opportunities for their younger offensive linemen. Jacksonville, meanwhile, quickly stepped in to address a major need on the interior of its offensive line following an injury.
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Giants Get Praised for Trading Daniel Faalele
The Giants traded Faalele to the Jaguars in exchange for a late-round pick in the 2027 NFL Draft.
The move came as a surprise, especially since most of the offseason trade talk surrounding New York had focused on former first-round tackle Evan Neal. Instead, head coach John Harbaugh and general manager Joe Schoen chose to part ways with Faalele, who had signed with the Giants on a one-year deal during free agency.
Since Faalele didn’t perform well and has a negative reputation from his past performances with the Baltimore Ravens, the Giants were praised on social media for trading him.
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NFL analyst Dan Schneier praised Schoen for getting something in return for a player who may not have made the final roster. “I thought getting Brian Burns for less than a 1st round pick was the nuts but this may go down as Schoen’s best since joining the Giants,” Schneier said.
Schneier also pointed out that Faalele was outplayed by Evan Neal during the Giants’ preseason opener, while other players were making a case for bigger roles.
Giants Daily summed up its reaction simply: “John Harbaugh is an absolute genius.”
Fireside Giants host Anthony Rivardo also liked the deal, saying, “Getting anything in return for a player you were likely going to cut is a great move.”
NFL reporter Ryan Dunleavy highlighted how quickly the situation changed, noting, “I was just talking to @BaldyNFL last night and he was saying how the #Giants finally had offensive line depth….”
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Analyst Max Loeb had a similar reaction, arguing that turning a player who appeared to be on the roster bubble into a Day 3 pick was a strong return for New York. “If there was a chance Faalele was getting cut (which it seemed like there was)… Getting a Day 3 Pick, in THIS YEAR’S DRAFT, back for him is an awesome haul,” Loeb said.
When the Giants signed Faalele, he was expected to provide veteran competition and depth at guard. However, his preseason debut did not go as planned.
During New York’s 13-10 loss to the Minnesota Vikings, Faalele played 13 snaps at left guard and gave up a sack.
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That performance, combined with the emergence of other offensive linemen, may have made Faalele expendable.
The Giants gain a draft pick while creating more opportunities for their younger linemen.
Jacksonville, meanwhile, needed depth after starting guard Patrick Mekari underwent back surgery. Faalele brings size and starting experience as insurance against Trevor Lawrence.
The move may not have been expected, but the timing makes sense for both teams.
For a 380-pound guard who had only recently signed with New York, Faalele’s stay with the Giants was certainly short-lived. But the trade could ultimately prove beneficial for both sides as they prepare for Week 1.
This article originally appeared on Pro Football Network.
