Giants keep unloading after unpalatable start

They’ve already cut out Apple and Snacks. How much more trimming can we expect from the New York Giants?

After falling to 1-6 with Monday’s 23-20 loss in Atlanta, the Giants apparently have decided to have one big bake sale. On Tuesday the Giants dealt corner- back Eli Apple to New Orleans for 2019 fourth-round and 2020 seventh-round draft picks. They followed that up on Wednesday by trading run-stuffing interior defensive lineman Damon “Snacks” Harrison to Detroit, reportedly for a fifth-round draft pick.

Are the Giants done dealing ? Speculation is, not a chance.

Getting only a fifth-round pick for Harrison doesn’t indicate a fleecing. Rather, it reflects how much a remaining financial commitment can impact a trade deal. Harrison has two more years and US$16 million left on a five-year contract. Shedding it saves the Giants more than $8 million against next year’s salary cap.

More New York defenders could find themselves on different teams before next Tuesday afternoon’s NFL trade deadline. Few would be surprised if the Giants also ship out their franchise quarterback, Eli Manning.

The knock on Manning is that he’s nearly 38 now, and is checking down far too frequently this season. Well, that’s largely because his offensive line is among the NFL’s worst at pass protecting. Did you see Monday night’s game? Good gosh, Manning barely had time to drop into the pocket before screaming Falcons bulldozers arrived from all directions.

Maybe the Giants will hang onto Manning through season’s end. They shouldn’t. Harsh criticisms will only intensify.