Despite initial optimism about the New York Giants’ offensive line early in the season, injuries and insufficient depth caused it to falter. This offseason, the team must prioritize strengthening the right guard position to enhance the overall stability of the line. A potential solution may come from a familiar free-agent addition.
The Giants need a long-term solution at right guard
This season, the Giants’ offensive line has remained a source of concern. The interior, a long-standing weakness, continues to struggle despite the front office’s efforts to bolster the unit. Greg Van Roten has served as the starting right guard and performed admirably, but at 34 years old, his age raises questions about long-term stability.
Van Roten has performed solidly this season, but he isn’t a long-term solution as the team’s starting right guard. If the Giants opt to retain him for 2025, it would likely be in a depth role or as a temporary bridge starter. In the meantime, they must prioritize finding a dependable, full-time starter in free agency.
Could a reunion with Will Hernandez fix the Giants’ offensive line?
Veteran right guard Will Hernandez is set to become a free agent this offseason, making him an intriguing option for the Giants. A seven-year NFL veteran, Hernandez was originally drafted by the Giants in the second round of the 2018 NFL Draft, starting 56 games for the team before joining the Arizona Cardinals in 2022.
Since departing New York, Will Hernandez has solidified himself as a reliable starting right guard with the Arizona Cardinals. Over three seasons, he made 35 starts before a knee injury cut his 2024 campaign short after just five games.
Will Hernandez has consistently performed at a high level during his time with Arizona, earning a Pro Football Focus grade of 65.4 or higher in each of his three seasons. In 2023, he played 1,109 snaps at right guard, allowing just 29 pressures and four sacks. Before his injury in 2024, the 29-year-old maintained his strong form, surrendering only eight pressures and no sacks on 280 snaps.
Recovering from a significant knee injury, Will Hernandez could be available at a bargain price this offseason. With the Giants needing to improve at right guard, bringing Hernandez back on a short-term, low-cost deal could be a savvy move to stabilize the position—provided he is healthy and ready to contribute.
