The New York Giants’ special teams unit has had its ebbs and flows in recent seasons. Following a disappointing 2023 campaign, the Giants fired special teams coordinator Thomas McGaughey, replacing him with Michael Ghobrial this offseason.
Amidst the Giants’ changes on special teams, the NFL experienced a significant change to the third facet of the game. The league passed new rules that will change the format of kickoffs for the upcoming season.
The change in formatting could have an interesting effect on how teams construct their rosters and which archetype of players serve as return specialists this season. The Giants have a few intriguing kick-return choices on their roster.
Gunner Olszewski was signed to be the Giants’ return specialist
The Giants’ special teams received a boost last season when the team added special teamer Gunner Olszewski to serve as their return specialist. He didn’t return a single kick, but Olszewski did return 23 punts last season.
On his 23 punt returns, Olszewski totaled 273 yards, averaging 11.9 yards per return, and added one touchdown which came at a decisive moment in a close game against the Los Angeles Rams in Week 17. He was named NFC Special Teams Player of the Week for…
