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Roger Goodell hints at a potential NFL rule change that would benefit the New York Giants and a few other teams in a big way

Originally posted on A to Z Sports | By Destin Adams | Last updated May 29, 2025 3:57 PM ET

The New York Giants were able to add multiple solid players in the 2025 NFL Draft. Including two first-round selections in Abdul Carter and Jaxson Dart.

They were relatively quiet in free agency, partly due to their recent struggles, which made them an unattractive destination for free agents. Another reason, though, is the fact that they aren't typically willing to use a cap-manipulating tool as often as others around the league: Void years. Many are speculating, though, that NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell might have hinted at the void years potentially being removed in the future.

NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell said owners had a lengthy discussion at the league meetings about the salary cap system — how well it’s working, whether teams are operating within its intended spirit, and what changes might be needed in the next round of collective bargaining with… pic.twitter.com/qYxDF9cbMi
— Ari Meirov (@MySportsUpdate) May 25, 2025

Void years being removed from the NFL would be a major win for teams like the Giants

Kevin R. Wexler-NorthJersey.com / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

Void years have been a tool teams can use to lower the cap hit a player has on the team's books. Owners who typically utilize it more often tend to be among the top 10 richest in the NFL. To do this, owners must be more willing to utilize cash to offer a larger signing bonus that can be spread out not only over the length of the contract but also, in some cases, by using void years to further extend it.

Giants owners John Mara and Steve Tisch come in as the 24th-wealthiest owners in the NFL. If void years are removed, that would help the Giants be on a more level playing field when it comes to negotiating contracts in free agency. It would also hurt one of the Giants' NFC East divisional rivals, the Philadelphia Eagles, who have used the void-year tactic in recent years to improve and keep their roster intact more often than most in the NFL. I'm sure the Giants would be all for void years being outlawed in the NFL, as it would benefit them and hurt many contenders, including the Eagles.

This article first appeared on A to Z Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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