Does anyone want to play for the New York Giants these days?
I’m sure there are a few, but based on just about every player who leaves — either by their own volition or the team’s — seems to believe they’re better off.
The Giants recently released cornerback Nick McCloud in a curious move that turned out to be cap-related. He was scooped up by the San Francisco 49ers this week and placed on their practice squad.
McCloud was a key contributor on defense and special teams but injuries have forced the Giants to shuffle their roster and McCloud, who was brought back this past offseason on a one-year, $2.985 million restricted free agent tender, became expendable as Big Blue was bumping up against the salary cap.
Like most players who have left the Giants, they feel as if they’ve been liberated. Giants wide receiver Darius Slayton commented on McCloud’s social media page, appearing to call him a “free man.”
There has been quite a bit of chatter this year regarding how general manager Joe Schoen and head coach Brian Daboll have handled personnel moves.
That has not gone unnoticed in the locker room. The losing hasn’t helped. The trade deadline came and went without the team making any moves, but it wasn’t from a lack of trying.
Still, Slayton’s comment wasn’t what it appears. While McCloud and others are, indeed, finding more success away from East Rutherford, it turns out the veteran receiver wasn’t offering a commentary on the state of the Giants.
And this is why onlookers shouldn’t be so quick to read into every comment.