Former Giants cut James Hudson signs with Patriots in NFL free agency news
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Former New York Giants offensive tackle James Hudson III is signing with a new team.
The New York Giants released veteran offensive tackle James Hudson III on March 6 after a rough lone season with Big Blue, but it didn’t take long for the bust signing to land on his feet in the latest NFL free agency news.
“The [New England] Patriots are signing OL James Hudson to a 1-year deal, source said, as the former Giants OL will add depth,” NFL Network insider Ian Rapoport reported on March 23.
Ian Rapoport
The #Patriots are signing OL James Hudson to a 1-year deal, source said, as the former #Giants OL will add depth.
The news sparked a reaction from New York Post reporter Ryan Dunleavy, who commented: “James Hudson, cut by [the] Giants for salary-cap savings after one ugly season, finds a new home. Interested to see what that deal is after he got 2 years, $12M ($6M GTD) last offseason.”
James Hudson’s Giants Career Was Both Short-Lived & Frustrating to Watch
Released Giants vet James Hudson signs with Patriots in NFL free agency news
GettyFormer New York Giants offensive tackle James Hudson III agreed to terms with the New England Patriots.
Hudson was brought in to be the veteran swing tackle and bridge to starting LT Andrew Thomas, who was working his way back from injury to start the 2025 season.
Unfortunately, after just one and a quarter appearances on the job, it became clear that the Giants completely overestimated his abilities.
According to Pro Football Focus, Hudson was charged with 5 penalties during the first two weeks of the year. And four of those penalties came over a brief 16-snap period in Week 2.
To make matters worse, Hudson was pulled from that Week 2 start after losing his cool and getting in a fight. The veteran was also charged with 1 sack and 7 quarterback pressures while spelling Thomas.
Following his Week 2 benching, Hudson did not log an offensive snap until Week 18. He appeared in 1 snap at right tackle to close out his Giants tenure, which was both short-lived and frustrating to watch.
Giants Fans Are Still Waiting for Free Agency News at Guard
One of the more head-scratching Giants decisions this spring has been at the guard position. It’s no secret that NYG needs a right guard.
Last year’s starter, Greg Van Roten, is an unrestricted free agent. So, at the minimum, the Giants must re-sign “GVR.”
However, most fans hoped for a larger financial investment at the position. An investment that Big Blue seemed open to making.
The Giants were reportedly in on former New York Jets guard Alijah Vera-Tucker, who also signed with the Patriots. They even made inquiries about second-tier free agent guards like Wyatt Teller, Dylan Parham, Joel Bitonio, and Kevin Zeitler.
As of March 23, out of those five potential targets, Bitonio and Zeitler are the only two remaining on the open market. And if the Giants don’t end up with one of them, it’ll be disappointing, to say the least.
Fans have pushed the Big Blue franchise to prioritize the O-line for years. And although the front offices have tried to do so at times, OL success has been fleeting.
With new head coach John Harbaugh taking over, the trenches quickly became a focus. At least, on the surface.
The lack of urgency at guard has not lined up with Harbaugh’s words coming in. Perhaps that changes, and the Giants spend their first-round pick on a potential G/T like Francis Mauigoa.
But for now, fans are still waiting on a definitive upgrade at guard. Unfortunately, re-signing failed draft picks Evan Neal and Joshua Ezeudu isn’t going to cut it with NYG supporters.