John Harbaugh has quickly begun reshaping the New York Giants roster, recently cutting linebacker Bobby Okereke to clear salary cap space. With a free agent market lacking strength, the Giants are looking to free up as much money as possible and may soon target another key player. Guard Jon Runyan, a starter on the offensive line, is reportedly the next candidate for release as the team prepares for significant changes.
Offensive Line Overhaul Looms as Giants Weigh Release of Jon Runyan
According to Pro Football Focus analyst Thomas Valentine, the Giants could save $9.25 million by cutting Runyan, who posted one of the lowest performance grades among starting guards in 2025. At 28 years old, Runyan is expected to be part of a major reconfiguration of the Giants’ offensive line, especially as other players like Greg Van Roten and Jermaine Eluemunor face uncertain futures.
Harbaugh and offensive coordinator Mike Bloomgren appear ready to embrace a new identity on the line, given the underwhelming contributions of current starters. Runyan, who joined the Giants on a three-year, $30 million deal in 2024, has yet to live up to expectations, providing average to below-average play that has fallen short of elevating the unit as hoped.
Financial and Performance Factors Point to Likely Runyan Cut
Runyan’s contract includes an $11.75 million cap hit for 2026, which is considered high for a player who has struggled to deliver consistently. The Giants have an opportunity to release him before the 2026 season with only $2.5 million in dead cap incurred, a financial move that many believe general manager Joe Schoen will utilize to maximize roster flexibility.
While Runyan will be a free agent next offseason regardless, removing him now would free resources to pursue players such as center Tyler Linderbaum, who could better bolster a struggling offensive line. Despite the risk, there is little reason for the Giants to retain a lineman who has not established himself as indispensable.
Releasing Runyan Seen as a Logical Step Amid Team’s Restructuring
Although releasing Runyan might lead to the player improving elsewhere—potentially with a team like Green Bay—Giants management appears ready to prioritize immediate cap relief and roster improvements over uncertain long-term gambles. After parting ways with Okereke, who was a difficult but necessary salary move, the franchise seems prepared to make another clear-cut financial decision.
The only offensive lineman expected to remain guaranteed in 2026 is Andrew Thomas, leaving open questions about the rest of the unit. Runyan’s 52.9 PFF grade, ranking 67th among all guards, gives the Giants a viable path to cut ties and pursue alternatives as they rebuild the offensive front.
Team’s Aggressive Approach Signals Major Changes Ahead
In a tense and frustrated atmosphere surrounding the Giants’ roster decisions, these potential releases mark a decisive moment in the franchise’s rebuilding effort. Clearing cap space and revamping the offensive line are critical steps to competing more effectively in upcoming seasons, as John Harbaugh and Joe Schoen seek to construct a stronger, more reliable squad.
