Chargers Target Trade for Giants’ Evan Neal Ahead of Deadline
As the NFL trade deadline approaches, the Los Angeles Chargers are poised to make moves to bolster their offensive line. With the deadline set for Tuesday at 4 PM ET, the Chargers are actively exploring options to enhance a position that has been significantly impacted by injuries throughout the season.
Assessing the Offensive Line Landscape
The Chargers find themselves in a challenging situation. At this point in the season, few impact players on the offensive line are available for trade. Teams are weighing the value of their assets, and the Chargers are likely to pursue players who have not met expectations. Given their urgent need for depth and stability, the Chargers may turn their attention to the New York Giants, particularly to Evan Neal.
Neal, a former first-round pick in the 2022 NFL Draft, has struggled to find his footing in the league. Despite his pedigree as a highly regarded tackle from Alabama, his performance has not aligned with the expectations set by his draft position. Currently, he has been inactive for the Giants throughout the season, raising questions about his future in New York.
Neal’s Uncertain Future in New York
Evan Neal’s journey in the NFL has been rocky since he entered the league. Injuries and inconsistent performances have relegated him to the sidelines, making it difficult for him to establish himself as a reliable contributor. The Giants, who have a relatively solid starting offensive line, have shifted their focus away from Neal, even experimenting with transitioning him to guard during the summer. However, he has yet to play a snap in that position during the regular season.
With Neal’s struggles and the Giants’ lack of leverage as they consider their options, a trade could be on the horizon. The Chargers could potentially acquire him at a bargain rate, as they look to deepen their offensive line while the Giants appear willing to part ways with the 25-year-old lineman.
The Potential Trade Scenario
Dan Graziano from ESPN notes that the Chargers could snag Neal for a low-cost deal. “He’s only 25 years old and was the No. 7 pick in 2022, so the talent is there,” Graziano reported. With Neal entering free agency at the season’s end and not being part of the Giants’ long-term plans, the Chargers may find an opportunity to enhance their roster without breaking the bank.
This trade could involve a pick swap, providing mutual benefits for both teams. The Giants could offload a player who has not lived up to expectations, while the Chargers would gain much-needed depth on their offensive line as they prepare for the second half of the season.
As the clock ticks down to the trade deadline, Los Angeles remains in a prime position to capitalize on potential trades that could reshape their roster for a playoff push. The addition of Evan Neal, despite his rocky start in the league, could provide the Chargers with the depth and flexibility they desperately need on the offensive front.
