Over the course of his three years with the Giants, Evan Neal has not lived up to expectations. As a result, the team has expectedly decided not to pick up his 2026 fifth-year option. 
After the draft, general manager Joe Schoen said (via Ralph Vacciano of Fox Sports) Neal’s option will be declined. Exercising it would have set up the former No. 7 pick to collect $16.69MM in 2026. Considering how things have gone to date, that figure would not have been feasible. Instead, Neal will enter the coming campaign as a pending free agent.
The Alabama product operated as a starter at the right tackle spot during his rookie season, one which did not yield the desired results. The following year, Neal was limited to seven games but when healthy he continued to struggle. Talk of a move to guard took place in 2024, but he remained at tackle during the year. Improvement was seen in terms of PFF evaluation – especially with respect to run blocking – but as things stand Neal is not in position to operate as a starter.
For the coming campaign, a move inside could very well be in store. New York has veteran Greg Van Roten in place at the right guard spot, and keeping him atop the depth chart would relegate Neal, 24, to backup duties. The Giants were named as a team to watch regarding an early addition along the interior of the offensive line; the team’s only addition in that regard, though, was Purdue’s Marcus Mbow in the fifth round.
Of course, today’s news leaves the door open to Neal continuing his career in the Big Apple beyond next season. For that to be likely, however, a notable turnaround will be needed given where things currently stand. It will be interesting to see where Neal lines up during spring practices and training camp as he attempts to help his value to his current team or another one ahead of next offseason.
Both the guard and tackle markets have proven to be relatively strong in the case of players without a lengthy track record of success. Given his age, Neal could land a relatively notable deal if he shows signs of development in 2025. He will do so knowing his future beyond the coming season is uncertain.