Giants' Gamble on James Hudson III Looks Set to End After Disappointing Season
When the Giants signed James Hudson III this past offseason, the plan was simple: bolster an offensive line that was paper-thin at the tackle spots. Injuries had exposed the unit the year before, and general manager Joe Schoen aimed to avoid a repeat.
Hudson, a former fourth-round pick with starting experience in Cleveland, was brought in on a two-year, $12 million deal to serve as a dependable swing tackle. Instead, his stint in New York has been anything but steady - and it now appears to be nearing a premature end.
Let’s rewind to what was supposed to be a depth move with upside. The 26-year-old Hudson was expected to provide insurance behind Andrew Thomas and Evan Neal.
But with Thomas sidelined for the year after a Week 6 injury and Neal struggling to stay on the field - not making his first start until Week 10 - Hudson was quickly thrust into action. That’s where the trouble began.
In just his second game as a Giant, Hudson had a moment that likely defined his short tenure in blue. Lining up in place of Thomas, he committed four penalties in just six snaps - a staggering stat that speaks volumes about his performance. One of those flags came after he struck Cowboys pass-rusher James Houston in the head, drawing a personal foul that had consequences beyond the 15 yards.
That moment wasn’t just a blip. It turned into a flashpoint.
Then-head coach Brian Daboll benched Hudson mid-game in favor of rookie Marcus Mbow, a fifth-round pick who wasn’t expected to see the field this season. The sideline exchange between Hudson and Daboll was heated, and since that game, Hudson hasn’t taken another offensive snap.
His only appearances have come on special teams - extra points and field goal units. That’s it.
When a veteran free-agent addition can’t crack the offensive line rotation on a team that’s been desperate for healthy bodies up front, the writing’s on the wall. And when you factor in the financials, the decision becomes even clearer. Hudson’s contract carries a $2.3 million dead cap hit if cut, but it also frees up $5.5 million in cap space - a number that could be critical as the Giants reshape their roster this offseason.
With Evan Neal’s future in New York also in serious doubt and Andrew Thomas battling another late-season injury (this time a hamstring in Week 16), the offensive line remains a top priority. If the season ended today, the Giants would be holding the No. 1 overall pick in the draft. Whether they stay there or trade back, expect offensive line help to be near the top of their wishlist, especially with rookie quarterback Jaxson Dart now in the fold.
The Hudson signing was a calculated move to add stability. Instead, it added volatility.
He was supposed to be the guy who could step in when needed and hold the fort. That didn’t happen.
From the penalties to the sideline blow-up to his complete disappearance from the offensive rotation, it’s been a season to forget for Hudson - and one that likely ends with him looking for a new team in 2026.
For the Giants, the focus now turns to correcting course. That means continuing to build around Dart and ensuring the offensive line can actually protect him.
Swing tackles are supposed to be plug-and-play insurance policies. This one turned out to be a broken umbrella in a storm.
Time to move on.