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New York Giants: Kevin Zeitler trade a huge win for Big Blue

By Stephen Smith

NASHVILLE, TN - DECEMBER 07: A helmet of the New York Giants rests on the sideline during a game against the Tennessee Titans at LP Field on December 7, 2014 in Nashville, Tennessee. (Photo by Frederick Breedon/Getty Images)
NASHVILLE, TN - DECEMBER 07: A helmet of the New York Giants rests on the sideline during a game against the Tennessee Titans at LP Field on December 7, 2014 in Nashville, Tennessee. (Photo by Frederick Breedon/Getty Images) /
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The New York Giants made a big trade recently by acquiring guard Kevin Zeitler for Olivier Vernon. This was a great trade for Big Blue.

It’s rare to see players actually swapped in a trade in the NFL these days, but that’s exactly what happened with the New York Giants and Cleveland Browns. Giants general manager Dave Gettleman shipped out veteran Olivier Vernon to the Browns for guard Kevin Zeitler. The G-Men will also receive the 155th pick in this year’s draft (fifth round) while the Browns get pick No. 132 (fourth round).

On the surface, one might wonder why the Giants would trade their leading sacker (7.0) in 2018, especially from a team that needs all the defensive help it can get.

Despite leading New York in sacks last year, Vernon was an overall disappointment. He missed five games due to injury and ranked just 16th in total tackles (30). He’s 28 years old now and his best seasons are behind him. He’ll fit better in Cleveland’s 4-3 defensive scheme while the Giants can address the defensive end/linebacker position in the draft. It was simply time for Vernon to move on.

Zeitler is considered one of the premier guards in the NFL. He was a first round selection (27th overall) by the Cincinnati Bengals in 2012. The University of Wisconsin product played the last two seasons with the Browns and was considered Pro Football Focus (subscription required) top-graded pass-blocking guard last year.

He’ll team with Will Hernandez to give the G-Men a solid one-two punch at guard. Zeitler is also a strong run blocker and this trade should help open up some bigger holes for superstar halfback Saquon Barkley to run through.

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Not only that, but Zeitler should help Eli Manning in the passing game by helping provide the veteran signal-caller more time to find his receivers down the field. Manning has never reminded anyone of Michael Vick as far as mobility is concerned so Zeitler will give Manning more precious time to throw.

This was a terrific trade by Gettleman and a gigantic (pardon the pun) win for Big Blue.

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