Nick Gates leaves Giants for Commanders in NFL free agency

Nick Gates will forever be remembered around the Giants as a tough guy who came back from a devastating leg injury.

His time with the Giants came to an end on Monday, though, as the versatile offensive lineman agreed to a three-year, $16.5 million deal with the rival Commanders.

Gates, 27, stays in the NFC East and goes to a team with which he has a history — and not in a good way.

He went down with a gruesome broken left fibula and tibia against the Commanders early in the 2021 season, an injury that nearly ended his career.

Gates needed seven surgeries to get the leg in working order, and he was able to return to the field midway though the 2022 season.

He started eight of the final nine games, mostly working at left guard in a rotation with Ben Bredeson, and was the starting left guard for both of the Giants’ playoff games.

Gates received $8 million in guaranteed money from the Commanders.

The Giants believe they have assembled depth on their offensive line, but they do want to upgrade on the interior of the line.

Jon Feliciano, who started 15 games at center in his first year with the Giants after arriving from the Bills, is set to be an unrestricted free agent, and the Giants have interest in bringing him back.

The Giants could pivot to Bredeson or Joshua Ezeudu, a rookie third-round pick in the 2022 draft, as an option at left guard.

The coaches liked what they saw from Ezeudu before he landed on injured reserve with a neck issue.

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The Giants re-signed punter Jamie Gillan, long snapper Casey Kreiter, running back Matt Breida and backup guard Wyatt Davis.

Gillan received a two-year contract worth $4 million.

The strong-legged left-footer, known as the “Scottish Hammer,” also serves as the holder on field goals.

This ensures continuity with Graham Gano, one of the best kickers in the league.

That continuity continued with the return of Kreiter, who is back on a one-year deal.

Gillan, 25, had a career-high gross punting average of 46.8 yards, which was 19th in the league. His net punting average of 40.2 yards was 26th in the NFL.

He needs more work on his touch, as his nine touchbacks — he had a total of eight in his first three years in Cleveland — were the second-highest of any punter in 2022.

Gillan did show considerable improvement in the second half of the season.

Breida is back on a one-year deal worth up to $2.3 million.

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He ran for 220 yards on 54 rushing attempts in 2022 as Saquon Barkley’s backup.

The Giants picked up Davis in late December after he was released by the Cardinals.

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The market for defensive tackle Dexter Lawrence is gaining clarity after two contract agreements on Monday.

Daron Payne stayed with the Commanders with a four-year deal worth $90 million — $60 million in total guarantees.

Another deal for a defensive tackle was reached, as Javon Hargrave is leaving the Eagles to sign with the 49ers. Hargrave will get a four-year deal worth $84 million, with $40 in guaranteed money.

Payne and Lawrence are represented by the same agent, Joel Segal.

The Giants have already contacted Segal about a long-term extension for Lawrence, who is set to play on the fifth year option salary of $12.4 million.

If the Giants can work something out with Lawrence, they could reduce that 2023 cap hit of $12.4 million.