The New York Giants saw firsthand just how ugly things can get when starting tackles go down. In 2024, the offensive line was at its best in recent memory – until star left tackle Andrew Thomas went down. From there, it was Josh Ezeudu, Chris Hubbard, and the relief of Jermaine Eluemunor protecting the blindside.
Eluemunor was a last resort, playing right tackle until the situation grew truly untenable. If there was a lesson to be learned, or re-learned, it was the importance of depth along the offensive line.
Giants general manager Joe Schoen has worked to rectify the situation in the offseason. One of New York's early signings was swing tackle James Hudson III, a former Cleveland Browns backup with experience at both spots.
On Wednesday, the Giants signed Eluemunor's backup, Stone Forsythe, to a one-year deal. According to Art Stapleton, it's a veteran salary benefit, league-minimum deal.
Forsythe has spent the last four years with the Seattle Seahawks, who drafted him in the sixth round in 2021.
He played all of his snaps in 2024 at right tackle, although he has some experience at left tackle, too, playing over 200 snaps there in 2023.
At the very least, this is another signal that New York is prioritizing depth along the offensive line; and at this point, warm bodies and fresh blood should be appreciated.
Yet, the Giants have found themselves with a problem virtually every team comes face-to-face with: there simply are not a ton of good offensive linemen, and those that are good are generally unavailable.
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Among the 92 tackles with at least 200 snaps in 2024, Forsythe ranked 91st in Pro Football Focus' offense grade and 89th in pass protection. Hudson ranked 80th and 90th in those marks, respectively.
That's not to say that this is a poor signing on Schoen's part. There's hardly such a thing as a bad minimum contract, and his versatility could prove useful. The terms of the deal, and Forsythe's prior performance, though, should temper expectations.
Forsythe will presumably compete with tackle Evan Neal for a second-string spot on New York's depth chart.
Related: Giants Rookie Class Reveals Schoen's Biggest Win
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This story was originally published March 12, 2025 at 2:33 PM.