The New York Giants are trading guard Daniel Faalele to the Jacksonville Jaguars for a late-round 2027 draft pick, a source confirmed to Big Blue View on Wednesday morning.
Faalele started at right guard for the Baltimore Ravens the past two seasons. Giants coach John Harbaugh was, of course, Baltimore’s coach at the time.
The Giants signed Faalele to a one-year contract before the 2026 NFL Draft, during which they selected Francis ‘Sisi’ Mauigoa to play right guard.
Faalele had been working as a backup at both left and right guard throughout the spring and summer. The expectation had been that Faalele would be the team’s swing guard. Per Pro Football Focus, Faalele posted a 0.0 pass blocking grade in Saturday’s preseason game against the Minnesota Vikings, and a 40.2 overall score in 13 snaps.
Faalele, 6-foot-8, 370 pounds, was a third-round selection by the Ravens in the 2022 NFL Draft. He was a backup tackle for two seasons before moving to guard.
During Tuesday’s practice, the second-team guards were veteran Aaron Stinnie and 2022 third-round pick Josh Ezeudu. The presence of Ezeudu at guard, where he has played more often as the summer has unfolded, is perhaps significant in terms of the ultimate 53-man roster.
Former undrafted free agent Jake Kubas could also be a consideration. He played well in 29 snaps at center and guard on Saturday, compiling a 79.8 grade. Evan Neal continued working with the third team on Tuesday. Whether he figures into the competition for a roster spot remains debatable.
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