It’s a kicker’s nightmare and a team’s headache: Graham Gano, the New York Giants’ veteran kicker, is back on injured reserve for the second time this season. What started as a promising return from his initial groin injury has now taken a painful turn, leaving fans and the organization wondering what’s next. But here’s where it gets controversial: Is Gano’s recurring injury saga a sign of bad luck, or is it time for the Giants to reevaluate their long-term strategy at the position?
The 2025 season began on shaky ground for Gano, who landed on IR after just three games due to a groin injury sustained during pregame warmups. This wasn’t his first rodeo with injuries—over the past two seasons, he’s appeared in only 18 of a possible 34 games. In 2023, a knee injury sidelined him for nine games, and in 2024, another groin issue kept him out for seven. Even when healthy, Gano’s accuracy has been a concern. In 2023, he missed six of 17 field goal attempts, including two from inside the 30-yard line. While he improved slightly in 2024, going 9 for 11, one of those misses came from inside 40 yards—a distance where kickers are expected to be nearly automatic.
Gano’s latest setback, a herniated disk in his neck, has once again derailed his season. At 38 years old, the veteran kicker has been a staple of the Giants’ special teams since 2020, earning two three-year extensions totaling $30.5 million. But with his health and performance in question, the Giants are now juggling three kickers on their practice squad: Younghoe Koo, Jude McAtamney, and the newly signed Ben Sauls. McAtamney, who filled in during Gano’s first absence this season, struggled with three missed extra points in two games, prompting the team to turn to Koo, who delivered a flawless performance last week.
And this is the part most people miss: The Giants had an opportunity to cut ties with Gano in the offseason, potentially saving $3.17 million in cap space with just $2.5 million in dead money. A post-June 1 release could have netted them $4.42 million in savings. Instead, they’ve found themselves in a financial and logistical bind, paying three kickers while Gano’s $10.5 million contract remains on the books through 2027. This situation has reignited debates about whether Gano is a luxury the Giants can no longer afford.
The question now is: Should the Giants stick with Gano, hoping he can regain his form and stay healthy, or is it time to move on and invest in a younger, more reliable option? Let’s spark some discussion—do you think Gano’s tenure with the Giants is nearing its end, or does he deserve another chance? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
