The New York Giants made two notable veteran releases on September 5, with one departure signaling a possible return and the other involving an injury settlement.
The first release involved linebacker and special teams stalwart Carter Coughlin. According to NorthJersey.com beat reporter Art Stapleton, the move is likely a temporary roster maneuver rather than a permanent farewell. Coughlin, a veteran presence for the Giants since his selection in the seventh round of the 2020 NFL Draft, could find himself back with the team soon. The decision appears to be driven by general manager Joe Schoen’s desire for roster flexibility heading into Week 1.
Stapleton explained that this roster shuffle mirrors a similar strategy employed with veteran fullback/tight end Jakob Johnson, who has been moved on and off the active roster in previous seasons. “Coughlin’s a veteran, so his salary would be guaranteed for the year if on the roster for Week 1,” Stapleton noted. Depending on practice performances, the Giants could re-sign Coughlin or call up a younger player for the season opener.
Meanwhile, offensive tackle Yodny Cajuste is exiting the team more definitively. After being placed on season-ending injured reserve due to a leg injury, Cajuste opted for an injury settlement with the Giants, according to the Talkin’ Giants podcast. Once Cajuste completes his recovery, he will be free to sign with another team. Cajuste, who was on the fringes of the roster, is less likely to return to the Giants organization once healthy.
Coughlin’s Special Teams Value Keeps Him in Play
Coughlin’s potential return is tied directly to his value on special teams. While his contributions on defense have been limited, he’s logged over 1,100 special teams snaps since joining the team. As The Athletic’s Dan Duggan remarked, Coughlin has “remained a core special teamer,” which could lead to him being active on Sunday despite his release.
Though not a major defensive force, Coughlin’s impact on special teams is undeniable. His defensive statistics include 41 total tackles, 2 tackles for loss, 1 career sack, 2 QB hits, a forced fumble, and a fumble recovery. If the Giants bring him back, they’ll need to manage their veteran practice squad cap, which currently stands at six. Veterans like wide receiver Isaiah Hodgins, tight end Lawrence Cager, and cornerback Duke Shelley fill those slots.
Yodny Cajuste and Isaiah McKenzie Depart Via Injury Settlements
Cajuste’s release comes with an injury settlement after the Giants deemed his leg injury season-ending. This isn’t a major blow to the Giants’ plans, as Cajuste was unlikely to have a significant role in 2024, but it does open a spot on the roster.
In addition to Cajuste, the Giants also parted ways with wide receiver/returner Isaiah McKenzie, who similarly opted for an injury settlement. McKenzie’s “lower body” injury landed him on season-ending IR, but he pushed back on the decision, seeking the ability to join another team once healthy. McKenzie was a Brian Daboll favorite from their shared time in Buffalo but lost out on a roster spot to Gunner Olszewski, who will handle return duties despite nursing foot and groin injuries of his own.
The Giants continue to tinker with their roster as the season opener against the Tennessee Titans approaches. With Coughlin likely to return soon and others finding new opportunities, it’s clear that the Giants are prioritizing depth and flexibility as they gear up for the 2024 campaign.
