The Giants traded for G Kevin Zeitler and gave DE/OLB Olivier Vernon as well as a 4th round pick. Zeitler has started 72 consecutive games while playing every snap in that span. Conversely, Vernon wasn’t able to stay on the field in his tenure with the Giants.
New York was in desperate need of O-line help after Eli got sacked a career-high 47 times this season. Zeitler was selected in the first round of the 2012 draft by the Cincinnati Bengals and was the #6 rated guard in the NFL according to Pro Football Focus.
Vernon was a high ticket free agent acquisition for the Giants a few seasons ago. Vernon gets pressures but has never lived up to his contract. The Giants announced Vernon was on the trade block a week ago, but no one expected to get a player of Zeitler’s caliber for Vernon. While the Giants did have to swap a 4th round pick for a 5th round pick it was well worth it to get rid of Vernon’s contract. Dave Gettleman deserves credit for this move. The trade eases the pain of losing Landon Collins and gives fans a reason to be optimistic.
