The New York Giants released veteran interior lineman Lucas Patrick and kept second-year center Bryan Hudson on the initial 53-man roster after one of training camp’s tightest position battles.
Harbaugh said the call came down to age and long-term value.
“Probably youth,” Harbaugh told reporters on Monday. “Youth and — yeah, he’s got a lot of football in front of him. That’s probably the biggest factor right there.”
Patrick signed in April to give the Giants experienced insurance on the interior. Hudson instead won the backup center job and a place as the ninth offensive lineman. Harbaugh grouped the Hudson-Patrick decision with the other close roster calls that come down to the final days of camp.
Keeping Hudson does not end the conversation at the position.
It was reported on Monday that New York is shopping for another center before Week 1 against the Dallas Cowboys -- someone who can challenge starter John Michael Schmitz.
Schmitz, a 2023 second-round pick, is the only remaining starter from general manager Joe Schoen’s first two draft classes. He has 41 career starts, but his production has not matched that draft capital. He finished 2025 with a 60.8 PFF grade that ranked 29th among 40 qualified centers.
Harbaugh’s staff chose the younger player for the 53. The front office still appears ready to add more competition in the middle of the line before the opener.
This article originally appeared on Giants Wire: Giants' John Harbaugh explains keeping Bryan Hudson over Lucas Patrick
