Is Dave Gettleman on his way out as the New York Giants’ GM? On this week’s episode of Draft Insiders, Pro Football Network Insider Tony Pauline reports the needle is moving in the direction of Gettleman being released by the Giants at the end of the season.
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Pauline had this to say:
“People I know who are close to the organization said they believe the needle is moving towards the Giants letting Dave Gettleman go. I know that Joe Judge is going to have a lot of input into what happens. As somebody said to me, it will be a Carolina Panthers situation where the Panthers just this week got rid of Marty Hurney, and have Matt Rhule, a young coach that they really like.”
Pauline also mentioned that Nick Caserio is the most-discussed name brought up to replace Gettleman if this move does indeed happen.
You can hear more of what Pauline had to say by clicking the video above. Want to be the first to hear inside information from PFN Insiders Tony Pauline and Benjamin Allbright? Subscribe to our YouTube channel and hit the notifications icon so you can tune in live when our insiders break the latest news and rumors from around the league.
Dave Gettleman’s draft history as GM
The Giants named Dave Gettleman their general manager in 2017, replacing Jerry Reese. Since Gettleman took over as GM, the Giants have posted a 14-32 record.
His first draft came with plenty of criticism, as the Giants drafted running back Saquon Barkley with the second overall pick. Barkley went before several talented quarterbacks, including eventual NFL MVP Lamar Jackson, as well as Buffalo Bills star Josh Allen.
A more recent cohort to consider
In the following draft, Dave Gettleman took Duke quarterback Daniel Jones with the sixth overall pick, again to much criticism. Gettleman basically admitted that he drafted Daniel Jones after only watching him perform at the Senior Bowl for three series. This rationale once again brought on more criticism towards the selection.
In the 2020 NFL Draft, Gettleman was once again picking in the top 10. This time, he selected Georgia OT Andrew Thomas. Since then, the three offensive tackles taken right after have all arguably outplayed Thomas. The draft has clearly been a struggle for Gettleman.
Giants GM Dave Gettleman’s free agency moves have brought even more criticism
Dave Gettleman’s free agency moves in the past have been criticized just as much as his draft picks.
Nate Solder hasn’t been worth his massive contract. Antoine Bethea didn’t work out. Jonathan Stewart had 38 yards for the Giants. The trade for Alec Ogletree flamed out. Golden Tate is at least still on the team, but they are likely going to cut him to save on cap room in the offseason. When Gettleman traded for defensive lineman Leonard Williams, many people criticized his resource management.
Dave Gettleman made some good moves in the 2020 offseason, however. Signing safety Logan Ryan, linebacker Blake Martinez, and cornerback James Bradberry helped the Giants’ defense rebuild this season. Even then, analysts have questioned how much input Gettleman had on those decisions.
Dave Gettleman and Joe Judge
When new head coach Joe Judge came to New York, it was viewed as a perfect fit with Dave Gettleman. Both of them are “old school” decision-makers. Co-owner John Mara mentioned before the season he liked the cooperation between Gettleman and Judge. When Joe Judge is asked, he always responds positively about his synergy with Gettleman as Giants GM.
The Giants could be doing this to bring in someone younger and fresher to lead the front office. Dave Gettleman is 69 years old and will be 70 before next year’s draft. Gettleman’s draft history and poor free agency signings also add more to that decision. With Judge being only 38 years old, it makes sense to bring in a younger mind to help build for the future.
Who could replace Gettleman as GM?
Pauline mentioned the name being passed around by league insiders as a possible replacement if Gettleman gets axed is Nick Caserio of the Patriots. Pauline quickly noted that Caserio’s name is annually a “possible” GM hire. The Patriots always find a way to reel him back in.
Caserio helped form the New England dynasty and credited as a significant force behind the team staying competitive. The Houston Texans were actually accused of committing tampering to land Caserio as their general manager.
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If Caserio elects to stay with the Patriots, as he has done for several years, there are other names to monitor here. Monti Ossenfort, the Titans’ director of player personnel, worked with the Patriots while Joe Judge was in New England. Dave Ziegler, the Patriots’ assistant director of player personnel, was also viewed as Josh McDaniels’ GM hire if McDaniels was hired last year.
Saints’ VP/assistant GM of college personnel Jeff Ireland should be a name to consider. A former special teams coach himself, he and Judge have similar backgrounds. Ireland’s eye for talent cannot be overstated. Look at the Saints’ last few draft classes as an example.
Ireland had worked as a GM before with the Miami Dolphins and previously worked for the Dallas Cowboys. If the team is searching for a younger GM to focus on the draft, Ireland’s name will be in contention.