The New York Giants have opted to retain tight end Lawrence Cager and cornerback Nick McCloud, both of whom were set to become restricted free agents. However, they have decided not to extend an offer to wide receiver Isaiah Hodgins, also an RFA.
Cager, who concluded last season on injured reserve due to a groin injury, announced his return via his X (formerly Twitter) account. McCloud, on the other hand, received a right of first refusal (ROFR) tender valued at $2.985 million, as indicated in the league’s personnel notice.
Cager, aged 26, joined the Giants midway through the 2022 season after stints with the New York Jets. An undrafted free agent from Georgia, he transitioned from wide receiver to tight end. During his time with the Giants, he caught 13 passes for 118 yards and a touchdown in six games in 2022, followed by four receptions for 36 yards and one touchdown in 11 games last season. Before transferring to Georgia for his final collegiate season, Cager played for Miami, where he totaled 45 receptions for 681 yards and ten touchdowns. At Georgia, he recorded 33 receptions for 476 yards and four touchdowns.
McCloud’s retention was expected, given his contributions as the Giants’ top special teams player and his valuable defensive reps. In his two seasons with the Giants, the 6-1, 193-pound cornerback has appeared in 31 games, starting 11, with one interception, nine passes defended, and 1.5 sacks in limited defensive snaps. Despite the Giants’ desire for a multiyear deal, they were unable to reach an agreement with McCloud by the Wednesday deadline.
As for Hodgins, who joined the Giants midseason in 2022 after being waived by the Buffalo Bills, he appeared in 25 games with 14 starts for the Giants, tallying 54 receptions for 581 yards and seven touchdowns. However, he saw a decrease in playing time last season, with Darius Slayton emerging as the team’s leading receiver. Despite reportedly being offered a one-year deal with incentives worth $1.5 million, Hodgins and the Giants failed to finalize the agreement. As Hodgins looks to explore other options, the Giants will turn to a deep pool of receivers in the upcoming draft for potential reinforcements.
The New York Giants have finalized their choices regarding restricted free agents (RFAs). Tight end Lawrence Cager and cornerback Nick McCloud will be retained, while wide receiver Isaiah Hodgins will not receive an offer.
Cager, who concluded the previous season on injured reserve due to a groin injury, confirmed his return through his X (formerly Twitter) account. McCloud received a right of first refusal (ROFR) tender valued at $2.985 million, according to the league’s personnel notice.
Cager, aged 26, joined the Giants midway through the 2022 season after stints with the New York Jets. He made a transition from wide receiver to tight end and contributed 13 receptions for 118 yards and a touchdown in six games during the 2022 season. Last year, he recorded four receptions for 36 yards and one touchdown in 11 games. Before joining the Giants, Cager played college football at Georgia and Miami, totaling 45 receptions for 681 yards and ten touchdowns at Miami, and 33 receptions for 476 yards and four touchdowns at Georgia.
McCloud’s retention was expected, given his significant contributions on special teams and his defensive versatility. In his two seasons with the Giants, McCloud has appeared in 31 games, starting 11, and has accumulated one interception, nine passes defended, and 1.5 sacks in limited defensive snaps.
As for Hodgins, who joined the Giants midseason in 2022 after being waived by the Buffalo Bills, he appeared in 25 games with 14 starts, tallying 54 receptions for 581 yards and seven touchdowns during his time with the Giants. However, he saw a reduction in playing time last season. Despite reportedly receiving a one-year deal with incentives worth $1.5 million, Hodgins and the Giants failed to finalize the agreement. As Hodgins explores other opportunities, the Giants will likely turn to the upcoming draft for potential reinforcements at the wide receiver position.
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