Alright, the New York Giants fans are trying to move on from their poor season. Not just a poor season, but a season full of quarterback issues of Daniel Jones, a weak O-line, injuries, and failed trades. But here’s the kicker: the general manager, Joe Schoen, is on a quest to make this season even more embarrassing, especially for the Giant’s former cornerback, Nick McCloud.

Yes, you heard that right. Recently, it was disclosed that the GM asked McCloud to take a pay cut from his deal during the week 4 games against the Cowboys. And that’s not all. According to the CB’s teammates, the GM told McCloud’s representatives, “Don’t pay October’s rent, all right? As soon as I replace him, I am going to replace him. I’m not f****** around.”

Can you believe it? I mean, hear this out. The Giants claimed him off waivers in 2022 and the CB later signed a restricted one-year deal worth $2.98 million this year as a free agent with the team, and the GM asks you for a pay cut. It’s like rubbing salt in the wound. Though McCloud wanted to remain with the Giants, as per his current one-year deal with the New York team.

Eventually, the Giants waived him in November 2024. Considering the cornerback was a well-liked player in the locker room, it was no wonder the situation got tense within the team after he was waived off. Not just McCloud’s teammates but several executives around the league believed the decision to be bold and unusual.

A week later, the San Francisco 49ers signed McCloud to their practice squad. At the end of the month, it was announced that the CB had made it to the active roster of the team. McCloud started five games for the Giants this season before joining the Niners.

Nick McCloud: New York Giants and beyond

When Nick McCloud signed with the Giants, he pretty much thought to revive his career in pro football. And guess what? He got a pretty good start in his very first season with the New York team. The 26-year-old CB finished his debut season with the New York team on a decent note while racking up 31 solo tackles and chipping in with 8 assisted tackles.

Enter the 2024 season, and the CB looked pretty steady for the team. He started five of the seven games that he played for the Giants and recorded 14 tackles, with one pass and a special teams tackle. However, the CB had failed to record an inception this season. Sure, Pro Football Focus ranked him 180th out of the 223 cornerbacks, but the guy’s out there showing his potential on the gridiron. Of course, with a new team now.

Not to mention that he’s ranked 15th out of the 223 CBs in pass rush according to the PFF with 78.2. On the other hand, the PFF ranked him 113th in run defense with 60.8. The San Francisco team wrapped up their season poorly amidst the defensive struggles of the team. But Nick McCloud surely looks to bounce back in the following season.