The New York Giants have kicked off their 2025 offseason with a series of roster adjustments.

With the team confirming the return of General Manager Joe Schoen and Head Coach Brian Daboll for another season, preparations are officially underway for what promises to be a pivotal year for the franchise. On January 6, team reporter Dan Salomone announced the first five roster moves of the offseason.

The Giants signed the following players to reserve/future contracts,” Salomone reported, listing defensive linemen Casey Rogers and Ross Blacklock, centers Jimmy Morrissey and Bryan Hudson, and kicker Jude McAtamney.

These signings secure spots for former practice squad players on the 90-man roster as the team gears up for free agency and the draft.

Undrafted Rookies Rogers & McAtamney Stand Out

Reserve/future contracts are a common step after an NFL season ends, and this initial group for the Giants is highlighted by undrafted rookies Casey Rogers and Jude McAtamney.

McAtamney made a brief but successful debut during the 2024 season, stepping in for Graham Gano to deliver a 31-yard field goal and an extra point. Despite this, the Giants opted for veteran Greg Joseph for most of Gano’s absence, signaling limited trust in the rookie last year.

Rogers, on the other hand, saw action in two games, logging 33 defensive snaps and nine special teams snaps without recording official stats. Still, his efforts on the practice squad earned him a December promotion. Giants defensive line coach Andre Patterson praised Rogers, saying, “He’s a physical player who can play all three [defensive line] positions. If I didn’t think he had a future, he wouldn’t be here.”

Both players will have opportunities to compete for roster spots next spring and summer.

Other Additions

Blacklock and Morrissey bring veteran depth, with Blacklock, a former second-round pick, joining late in 2024, and Morrissey, a seventh-round pick in 2021, contributing since early last year. Hudson, an undrafted free agent in 2023, joined the Giants in November after stints with other teams.

Giants Ownership Under Fire

Amid these moves, team President and CEO John Mara faced criticism for retaining Schoen and Daboll. Mara’s candid remarks about the team’s struggles—such as frustrations with defensive coordinator Shane Bowen and doubts about roster improvements—provided ammunition for critics.

SNY’s Connor Hughes argued that Mara’s defense of Schoen and Daboll paradoxically outlined reasons for firing them, while the New York Daily News’ Pat Leonard questioned Mara’s unwavering faith in Schoen despite the team’s issues.

ESPN’s Jordan Raanan noted how rare it is for a coach with a three-win season in year three to earn a fourth year, citing only two similar instances since 1980, both of which ended poorly.

With doubts swirling and high expectations for 2025, the Giants will need significant progress to justify their leadership’s retention and silence their critics.