Is It Time for Big Blue to Let Go of Their 2023 Second-Round Pick?
This past week, the New York Football Giants continued their training camp with the growing tensions surrounding their offensive line. They are just a week out from their first preseason game. However, as the team approaches this stage of the NFL season, they are already seeing injuries on the field. Head coach John Harbaugh is doing the best that he can to make sure that his players don’t start the season with injuries, especially both Cam Skattebo and Malik Nabers, who suffered season-ending injuries last season. There is one particular player who has spent the last several seasons dealing with injuries since joining the New York Giants in 2023. This team is now dealing with their center, John Michael Schmitz, being injured again.
The 2023 second-round pick has been injured almost every season that he has been with the Giants. As of Friday’s practice, he left the field after sustaining another injury. The Giants' center has been inconsistent and has missed many games, prompting the team to consider whether he will return when his contract is up. Schmitz's record currently is 41 starts over the course of his last several seasons in New York. The offensive lineman is not enough for the Giants to keep him on the roster.
Schmitz has made some improvements. However, he is completely unreliable because he has been out with an injury every season. The former Minnesota standout had a shoulder injury in 2023, an ankle injury in 2024, and a concussion and several other issues in 2025. During Friday's practice, he left early after hitting his head again. The Giants have already started working on a backup plan to replace him after this season, as he may not play much again.
Over the years, he has shown he can be flashy and make plays in New York. New York's middle man has the talent to follow through in gameplay. However, the Giants need consistency, not him playing only a few games and then being out again. The team has already added another center, such as Brenden Jaimes. This experienced player may have played in 50 games, but he’s only appeared in 13 games the past two seasons. Having experienced players with consistency is better than having nothing at all.
Schmitz's rookie contract is up after this season, and he is entering free agency. There is really no point in Big Blue keeping him because he is not playing enough for the Giants to give him an ultimatum. They have other players such as Greg Van Roten, Ryan Bates, and Graham Glasgow. These guys all have extensive experience and would be perfect to fill the puzzle pieces of the offensive line Harbaugh is trying to put together. Schimtz is definitely a player for this team to think over at the end of the season.
