The Ezeudu trade made sense for New York because the guard was competing for a roster spot and the Giants were able to turn a player on the bubble into future draft capital.

It also continued a recent strategy of converting roster depth into picks, following the earlier trade of Daniel Faalele to the Jacksonville Jaguars. Now, Schultz believes the Giants and other teams could continue looking for similar opportunities as they finalize their rosters.

More trades are coming for NY Giants and other teams

Schultz believes the Ezeudu trade could be just the beginning of a busy period around the NFL as teams like the Giants determine which players they can afford to keep and which could be more valuable to another franchise.

“I would anticipate more of these type of trades happening in the NFL over the next 4-10 days as teams start working on shaping up their rosters. Mostly smaller trades, but there’s a few bigger ones on the table as well.”

The timing makes sense. Teams are approaching the final roster deadline, and players who are unlikely to make one team’s 53-man roster can suddenly become attractive trade targets for another organization looking for depth. For the Giants, that creates an opportunity to continue turning their surplus into assets rather than simply releasing players and receiving nothing in return.

Giants could turn roster surplus into future picks

The Giants appear to have enough depth at several positions to potentially make additional moves. The Ezeudu trade demonstrated the philosophy: if a player is unlikely to survive the final cut but has enough NFL experience to interest another team, the front office can explore if a late-round pick could be obtained in return.

That strategy can be particularly valuable for general manager Joe Schoen. Seventh-round picks may have limited immediate value, but accumulating future selections gives a team additional flexibility in the draft and creates more opportunities to find inexpensive contributors.

The Giants have already demonstrated that they are willing to make those calculations. Ezeudu had appeared in 33 games for New York, including 10 starts, but the organization ultimately determined that the offensive line depth allowed it to move him for a future pick. That could be the blueprint for additional trades before the deadline.

Could the Giants make another surprising trade?

Schultz’s comments suggest that the Giants are not alone in evaluating these opportunities. With every team trying to finalize the 53-man roster, the next several days could produce a wave of smaller trades involving players who do not have a clear path to a roster spot.

The Giants could be particularly active if their coaching staff believes they have surplus talent at certain positions. Instead of cutting a player and hoping to bring him back to the practice squad, Schoen could attempt to find a team willing to surrender a late-round pick.

There is also the possibility of bigger moves. Schultz specifically noted that “there’s a few bigger ones on the table as well,” meaning the next several days could feature trades involving players with much more significant roles.

With Aaron Rodgers firmly established as the starter, the Steelers still have to decide what to do with Mason Rudolph, Will Howard and Drew Allar. Roethlisberger believes Pittsburgh should prioritize keeping both young quarterbacks, even if that means taking the unusual step of trying to stash Rudolph on the practice squad.

The problem is that putting Rudolph on the practice squad could be extremely risky. He is an experienced NFL quarterback who has already served as a reliable backup in Pittsburgh, and another team could easily claim him if the Steelers expose him to waivers.

Who should be Steelers’ backup QB?

Speaking on his Footbahlin podcast, Ben Roethlisberger argued that Pittsburgh should do everything possible to prevent losing either Will Howard or Drew Allar while also trying to find a way to keep Mason Rudolph.

“Coach or GM, I’m doing everything I can to keep both of them (Allar and Howard). I don’t think you put either one on practice squad because I think someone will scoop them up. So, you’re either keeping all four or you try to put Mason on practice squad and see if you can find a way to keep him too.”

Roethlisberger’s preferred solution is understandable from a developmental perspective. Both Howard and Allar represent potential long-term options for the Steelers, and losing either young quarterback to another team would be a significant risk. But the veteran quarterback’s suggestion has also created controversy because of his history with Rudolph.

Ben Roethlisberger’s controversial comments on Mason Rudolph

The timing of Ben Roethlisberger’s comments has drawn attention because his relationship with Mason Rudolph was not always viewed as particularly supportive during their time together in Pittsburgh.

Rudolph spent several seasons behind Roethlisberger and had some chances as the Steelers’ starter when injuries affected Big Ben. Their history makes Roethlisberger’s current recommendation particularly interesting, especially because he is now advocating for the Steelers to potentially place Rudolph on the practice squad while protecting the two younger quarterbacks.

Should the Steelers keep four quarterbacks on their roster?

The Steelers could ultimately decide that keeping all four quarterbacks is the safest option, but doing so would come with a significant roster cost. NFL teams generally prefer to carry three quarterbacks because every roster spot becomes increasingly valuable at positions where injuries and depth can quickly become problems.

Keeping Rodgers, Rudolph, Howard and Allar would mean sacrificing a spot that could instead be used on another offensive lineman, defensive player, receiver or special-teams contributor.

At the same time, the Steelers have a unique situation. Rodgers is an aging veteran, Rudolph is an experienced backup, and both Howard and Allar are young quarterbacks with developmental upside.

Putting Rudolph on the practice squad could also backfire immediately. If another team claims him, Pittsburgh would suddenly enter the season with Rodgers backed up by two young quarterbacks who have limited NFL experience. That would be a considerable gamble if Rodgers were to miss time.

Reports out of training camp on Wednesday suggest that OBJ stepped up in practice, adding to positive updates from previous days. Harbaugh confirmed Beckham’s great performance, especially this week.

“Odell’s had a good camp. His best week of camp has come this week,” Harbaugh told reporters on Wednesday, via Pat Leonard of NY Daily News Sports.

OBJ shines for NY Giants just before roster cuts

If the reports of Beckham’s great practices weren’t enough, Harbaugh’s comments should give reason to believe in OBJ’s chances of making the Giants‘ 53-man roster.

Beckham impressing in training camp, combined with Austin’s setback, might be the perfect combo to see the former first-rounder stay in NY beyond Sunday, when Harbaugh has to submit his 53-man roster for the 2026 NFL season. Beckham already has the Giants executives’ blessing, and it appears that he impressed Harbaugh as well.

NY Giants’ expected WR depth chart for 2026

Austin’s torn ACL leaves the Giants’ healthy depth chart at wide receiver with Malik Nabers, Darius Slayton, Darnell Mooney, Malachi Fields, Braxton Berrios, and Beckham.

Dalen Cambre and Xavier Gipson are expected to be part of the practice squad, with six wideouts making the active roster. Beckham’s spot appeared to hinge on whether Harbaugh opted to include six or seven wideouts, but with Austin on the sidelines, that may no longer be cause of concern for OBJ. Besides, he made sure to earn consideration with solid auditions in the offseason.

According to the Giants’ official website, the G-Men added veteran Josiah Deguara as well as rookie Kobe Prentice, who joins the receiving corps. That said, it appears he is behind OBJ on the depth chart, with Beckham Jr. seemingly having a clear path to securing a spot on the 53-man roster.

OBJ has had a strong performance in his latest practice, according to multiple reports. At this crucial stage in the decision-making process, the veteran appears to be convincing the coaching staff to keep him on the team, with Harbaugh also confirming Beckham Jr.’s positive performance.

Also, as the insider Dan Duggan revealed on his X account, another receiver who stood out during the latest practice was Darnell Mooney. It appears that the Giants’ passing attack will be well covered heading into the upcoming season.

Another active day for OBJ

Odell Beckham Jr.’s connection with his quarterbacks is slowly starting to take shape during a crucial stage of preparation. The wide receiver not only caught passes from Jaxson Dart but also developed an intriguing rapport with Jameis Winston.

USA Today reporter Art Stapleton noted that Odell hauled in an impressive 30-yard pass in the end zone, as well as two touchdowns from Dart. It looks like this duo could make some noise in New York.

How does the Giants’ receiving corps shape up?

Serious injuries, last-minute roster moves, and uncertainty surrounding the decisions Harbaugh and his staff will make on Sunday for the final cuts. For now, this is how the Giants’ wide receiver depth chart looks in East Rutherford.

Porter is entering a pivotal stage of his career after establishing himself as one of the Steelers’ most important defensive players. However, the front office faces a difficult decision because the market for elite cornerbacks has changed dramatically, and a new contract for Porter could reset the position’s salary hierarchy.

According to Rapoport, that is at the center of the current impasse. The Steelers have historically avoided negotiating contracts once the regular season begins, making the next few days particularly important for both sides.

Why haven’t the Pittsburgh Steelers extended Joey Porter Jr.?

Ian Rapoport explained that Pittsburgh’s longstanding philosophy is to avoid negotiating contracts during the season. More importantly, the expected price of Porter’s next deal appears to be the biggest obstacle.

“The Steelers do not do contracts during the season. That has been their historic stance and I expect that to continue. And really, the reason that they’re in an impasse, or whatever you would call it, is because it’s pretty clear when Joey Porter gets a new contract, he is going to be the highest paid corner in the NFL.”

That would represent a massive commitment from the Steelers. Porter is clearly viewed as a cornerstone of their defense, but they appear reluctant to simply surrender to the current market and immediately make him the highest-paid cornerback in football.

The situation could also have implications beyond Pittsburgh. Porter’s contract and the upcoming deal for Christian Gonzalez with the New England Patriots could influence each other, as both young cornerbacks are positioned to command massive extensions.

Could Joey Porter Jr. be traded by Steelers?

The lack of progress has inevitably created trade speculation around Joey Porter Jr. If the Steelers are unwilling to meet the price required to make him the highest-paid cornerback, rival teams could begin wondering whether general manager Omar Khan is willing to listen to offers.

Rapoport acknowledged that possibility while explaining why the situation has generated increasing interest around the league. “The Steelers, if they’re not willing to make him the highest paid corner, probably haven’t offered for that reason, which is why we are here, basically where we are now. And of course, what’s gonna happen, he’s a big name. There have been rumors. There have been, I would say, trade chatter around the NFL surrounding Joey Porter.”

The Steelers are not necessarily shopping their star cornerback, but the longer the contract situation remains unresolved, the more natural the trade speculation becomes.

For Pittsburgh, trading Porter would represent a dramatic decision. The Steelers have built one of the NFL’s most expensive defenses around their core players, and losing a young cornerback with Porter’s potential would create a significant hole.

NFL teams are wondering if Joey Porter is available

Ian Rapoport added that teams around the league are already asking questions about Porter’s availability. That does not mean a trade is imminent, but it demonstrates how quickly a contract stalemate can create uncertainty around a high-profile player. “Teams wondering, is he available? And look, we do see guys from time to time like this traded right before the season.”

That possibility puts additional pressure on the Steelers. Pittsburgh could still reach an agreement with Porter before the season begins, but if they refuse to establish a new record for cornerback salaries, it could eventually have to consider alternatives.

With Pittsburgh historically unwilling to negotiate during the season, the clock is effectively ticking. Until a deal is reached, trade rumors surrounding Porter are likely to continue, and NFL teams will keep wondering whether one of the Steelers’ defensive cornerstones could actually become available before the 2026 season begins.

The Giants already had one of the most crowded wide receiver rooms in the NFL, with Malik Nabers, Malachi Fields, Darius Slayton, Darnell Mooney, Beckham and Berrios competing for opportunities. Austin’s injury, however, removes an important piece from the equation and creates an opening that could benefit Beckham.

Dan Duggan of The Athletic was among those to point out how significantly the injury could change the roster battle. “NFL is a cold world, but life goes on. Calvin Austin injury may have cleared a path to a roster spot for Odell. It was going to be a coin flip between Odell and Berrios for one spot. If the Austin injury is as serious as it appeared, then would think both make it.”

Calvin Austin injury could change Giants WR room

Before Calvin Austin’s injury, the Giants appeared to face a difficult decision between Odell Beckham Jr. and Braxton Berrios. Keeping both would have required New York to dedicate another roster spot to the position, something that was not necessarily guaranteed with so many other needs.

Austin’s season-ending injury changes that situation. His absence creates an immediate need for additional depth, particularly because he was expected to contribute from the slot and in other areas of the Giants’ offense.

That could give Beckham the security he needed to survive the final roster cuts. While his role may not resemble the superstar position he once occupied in New York, the veteran receiver can still provide experience and another weapon for a young offense led by Jaxson Dart.

Will Odell Beckham Jr. make the NY Giants roster?

Odell Beckham Jr. has a strong chance to make the Giants roster. Dan Duggan explained Beckham may not simply step into Austin’s role. Instead, he believes New York could distribute those snaps among several players, creating a committee approach in the slot.

“I think it’ll be by committee, especially when you consider Likely is going to line up in the slot a ton. Berrios is the closest to a 1:1 replacement for Austin, but would think you’ll also see an uptick of slot snaps for Nabers, Mooney, Odell.”

That would give Beckham another opportunity to contribute without requiring the Giants to make him a full-time slot receiver. The coaching staff could move him around depending on the matchup while also increasing the workload of Nabers and Mooney.

Berrios remains the most natural replacement for Austin’s skill set, but the Giants now have enough versatility to distribute those responsibilities across the roster. For Beckham, that could be the difference between making the team and becoming one of the most notable cuts of the summer.

What is the Giants’ WR depth chart?

If Duggan’s projection becomes reality, the Giants could enter the 2026 regular season with six primary wide receivers: Malik Nabers, Malachi Fields, Darius Slayton, Darnell Mooney, Odell Beckham Jr. and Braxton Berrios.

That would be a deep and experienced group for Dart to work with. Nabers remains the centerpiece, while Fields could establish himself as an important young option. Slayton and Mooney provide veteran experience, and Beckham and Berrios could offer additional versatility.

Austin’s injury is obviously a major blow for the Giants, but it could have a significant indirect impact on the roster battle. Beckham’s chances of making the team now appear much stronger, while Berrios could also avoid becoming the odd man out.

According to insider Paul Dottino via his X account, Brown said OBJ’s numbers during this stage of preparation have been outstanding. Not only from a football standpoint, but physically as well, stating that the wide receiver “still has juice in his legs.”

The Assistant General Manager also highlighted Beckham Jr.’s ability to make an impact on the field, creating separation and getting open while consistently finding spots where he can be targeted. Clearly, all of these comments could carry weight when the coaching staff makes its final decision.

Joe Schoen also praises OBJ’s performance

Joe Schoen often has a say in roster-building decisions, and he recently shared his thoughts on Odell Beckham Jr.’s situation. During a recent appearance on WFAN Sports Radio, the General Manager expressed his enthusiasm about the wide receiver’s current situation.

“He’s done a good job again when, you know, before we brought him in here looking at the Miami film a couple years ago, you know after speaking to him, he wasn’t healthy. I wasn’t sure if he had much left in the tank having watched that film but then, after we worked him out twice he’s been in good shape, he can still get open, he moves well,” Schoen started.

“I know he wishes he would have caught that ball on Saturday in Miami but, you know the route and ability to separate in tight quarters in red zone like that is impressive. So, I think the kid can still play and you know again it’s he’s gonna play on Friday, and we’re gonna continue to evaluate those guys. But he has shown enough that he can still play in this league.“

Beckham Jr.’s chances of making the roster

Odell Beckham Jr. impressed the Giants at a crucial moment, with Calvin Austin set to miss the season due to injury. Could this be a sign of what the future holds for OBJ in the NFL? Undoubtedly, with Harbaugh now in need of an experienced receiver to bolster his WR room.

Next Sunday, following the conclusion of the final preseason games, teams will announce their final decisions, with the Giants being one of the teams under the biggest spotlight. Which players will ultimately represent the G-Men in the 2026 NFL season?

On the surface, the decision has been difficult for some Browns fans to understand. Sanders showed flashes of the talent that made him one of the most intriguing quarterbacks in the 2025 NFL Draft, while Watson’s performances did not necessarily separate him from Shedeur.

However, prestigious reported Mary Kay Cabot has provided more context on why head coach Todd Monken ultimately favored Watson. According to her information, the explanation may have much more to do with what happened away from the field than what fans saw during preseason games.

What happened behind the scenes with Shedeur Sanders?

Mary Kay Cabot explained that Todd Monken has repeatedly emphasized that Shedeur Sanders still has a learning curve to navigate, particularly when it comes to mastering the Browns’ offensive system.

“Todd has been trying to tell us over and over and over again that Shedeur still needs to come up the learning curve on that kind of stuff. Todd does not like what he calls crappy football. And it’s not that Shedeur would play crappy football, but you have to have a certain amount of comfortability with the system, with the scheme to be able to run the show.”

That explanation provides an important distinction. The decision does not necessarily mean that Watson has been dramatically better than Sanders physically or that Shedeur failed to impress during preseason action.

Instead, Monken appears to be prioritizing operational consistency and familiarity with the offensive system, elements that are much harder for fans to evaluate from game highlights.

Why did Todd Monken choose Deshaun Watson over Shedeur Sanders?

According to Mary Kay Cabot, some of the most important evidence behind the decision happened away from the spotlight. The Browns’ evaluation included what “happened in meeting rooms,” “in walkthroughs” and “in the operational details that never show up in a clip shared on social media.”

That could explain why Sanders’ strong preseason performances were not enough to win the job. A quarterback can make impressive throws and show good decision-making during limited game action while still having areas to improve when it comes to running an entire NFL offense.

For Monken, that distinction appears to have been decisive. The Browns’ head coach needs a quarterback who can operate the scheme with enough confidence and consistency to execute the entire game plan, not simply make impressive plays when given an opportunity.

Watson’s experience gives him an obvious advantage in that area. Despite the controversy surrounding his tenure in Cleveland and his inconsistent play since joining the team, he has considerably more NFL experience than Sanders.

Shedeur Sanders still has a path to the Browns QB1 job

The decision does not necessarily close the door on Sanders becoming Cleveland’s quarterback in the future. If anything, the explanation from Cabot suggests that his path to the starting job could depend on how quickly he closes the gap in his understanding of Monken’s offense.

That could be particularly important if Watson struggles once the regular season begins. The Browns have already seen enough from Sanders to know that he has the physical ability to compete, but Shedeur now has to demonstrate that he can consistently operate the offense at the level Monken expects.

For fans who believed Sanders clearly outplayed Watson in the preseason, the explanation may be frustrating. But preseason statistics and highlights only reveal part of the evaluation process.

For now, Watson has won the competition. But if Sanders continues learning the system and proves he can “run the show” without the operational mistakes Monken wants to avoid, he could eventually get another opportunity to change the Browns’ decision.

The deal caught attention because of Ezeudu’s experience with New York, but the move makes considerable sense for both franchises. NFL insider Jordan Schultz reported the trade, revealing that Kansas City will send a 2028 seventh-round pick to the Giants in exchange for the offensive lineman.

“The Chiefs are trading a 2028 7th-round pick to the Giants in exchange for G Josh Ezeudu, per sources. Kansas City has been looking to add OL depth and now does so with Ezeudu, who played in 33 games during his tenure with New York.”

Why did the New York Giants trade Josh Ezeudu?

For New York, the move could be viewed as a smart piece of roster management. Josh Ezeudu was facing an uphill battle to make the Giants’ final 53-man roster, making it increasingly likely that the organization would have to move on from him in the coming days.

Instead of simply cutting the guard, general manager Joe Schoen was able to turn the situation into draft capital. A 2028 seventh-round pick may not be a massive return, but acquiring an asset for a player who potentially would not have survived the roster deadline is a positive outcome for the Giants.

The trade also reveals something interesting about New York’s offensive line. Not long ago, offensive line depth was one of the biggest concerns surrounding the Giants.

Now, they appear comfortable enough with the group to allow a player with 33 games of NFL experience to leave before the regular season. That could be an encouraging sign for Jaxson Dart and the Giants’ offense.

Chiefs trade for Josh Ezeudu to protect Patrick Mahomes

The Chiefs have a very different motivation. They have been looking to strengthen their offensive line depth, and Ezeudu gives them another experienced option heading into the regular season.

Protecting Patrick Mahomes remains one of the organization’s biggest priorities. Adding depth along the offensive line gives Kansas City another player capable of providing insurance if injuries affect the unit during the season.

Ezeudu’s experience with the Giants also gives the Chiefs a player who has already seen significant NFL action. While he may not immediately become a starter, his versatility and experience could make him a valuable depth piece.

The seventh-round price also makes the move relatively low risk for Kansas City. The Chiefs identified a need and addressed it without giving up significant draft capital.

Giants show confidence in their offensive line

Perhaps the most interesting part of the trade is what it says about the Giants. Schoen would probably not have moved Ezeudu if the organization believed the offensive line could not withstand the loss.

The Giants have spent considerable time rebuilding a position group that was once a major weakness. The fact that they can now trade away an experienced guard suggests the coaching staff is comfortable with the depth available to protect Dart.

For a franchise entering a new era with John Harbaugh, that is an important development. The Giants need to make sure Dart has enough protection to develop, and their willingness to move Ezeudu suggests they believe the current unit can provide it.

The Chiefs get additional protection for Mahomes, while the Giants receive a future draft pick for a player who could have been released. It is a relatively small trade, but it could be an interesting indicator of how both teams view their offensive line depth heading into the 2026 season.

“Just like their playoff hopes it ended early before it even started,” the former Pittsburgh Steelers signal-caller said on Footbahlin. For Big Ben, it seems the ideal choice would have been Shedeur Sanders to start in Week 1.

The decision to have Watson start the season in the Dawg Pound is based on his experience, as well as the fact that the Browns will play their first two games on the road. Can No. 4 silence the criticism and change the opinions of fans and his peers?

Watson’s first challenges

Playing away from Huntington Bank Stadium could prove beneficial for Deshaun Watson, who was booed by his own fans during the preseason. That will be the case in the first two games, as the Browns travel to South Florida for their opening challenges.

Watson’s team will make its debut on September 13 at EverBank Stadium against Trevor Lawrence and the Jacksonville Jaguars. Seven days later, the Browns will head to Raymond James Stadium to face the always-tough Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

Roethlisberger’s history against the Browns

Ben Roethlisberger practically owned the Cleveland Browns during his 18-year run with the Pittsburgh Steelers, racking up a dominant 26–2–1 record against his AFC North rivals. Big Ben turned Cleveland into his second home, going 11–2–1 on the road and wrapping up his career with more wins in Cleveland than almost any Browns quarterback in that era.

For nearly two decades, whenever Pittsburgh lined up against the Browns with Roethlisberger under center, a win was almost a foregone conclusion. This historic rivalry made the quarterback one of the winningest players in head-to-head matchups in the AFC.

As a result, Braxton Berrios now emerges as the primary option at the position, following an impressive training camp with the G-Men. Further down the depth chart are Dalen Cambre and Xavier Gipson.

Jaxson Dart’s other primary options through the air are Malik Nabers and veteran Darius Slayton. Behind them, players such as Malachi Fields, Darnell Mooney, and Odell Beckham Jr. are expected to play prominent roles.

Confidence in the Giants’ WR room

The loss of Calvin Austin could have been a major blow for the Giants, not only from a football standpoint but also emotionally. However, based on Matt Nagy’s comments to the media, there is still plenty of optimism within the organization regarding the rest of the wide receivers on the roster.

“It would be a disservice to him if I said it wasn’t a blow. But I think the beautiful part of what Harbs has done with us as a staff and as a team – his message this whole time has been positivity. The next guy’s gotta step up and play,” the offensive coordinator said.

More roster moves for the Giants

With a new NFL season just around the corner, the New York Giants continue to make moves with an eye toward the future. This time, one of their veteran guards will no longer wear the Big Blue colors.

According to the insider Ian Rapoport on X, Joshua Ezeudu is heading to the Kansas City Chiefs to help protect Patrick Mahomes, while John Harbaugh’s Giants received a 2028 seventh-round pick in exchange.