Why did the Giants re-sign Evan Neal and Joshua Ezeudu?

It was a common thought after neither 2022 draft classmate played a snap last season and were set to become unrestricted free agents.

John Harbaugh asked a different question: Why not?

The Giants' incoming head coach evoked George Bernard Shaw, an iconic playwright who was born 170 years ago, in his approach to how he sees the returning offensive linemen.

"They haven't broken through yet, but why can't they?" Harbaugh said Monday morning at the NFL Annual League Meeting in Phoenix. "George Bernard Shaw [said] some men see things as they -- you ready for this one? Let me make sure I get this right: Some men see things as they are and they ask why. We see things as they aren't and ask why not. That's what I kind of say with those two guys. I could have said that better but you get the point, right? Why not? Why not give them an opportunity?"

Neal, the former seventh overall pick, and Ezeudu, a third-round choice, are motivated to rewrite their stories.

"They came to the office and sat down and laid out a plan and a vision of the type of players they want to be," Harbaugh said. "They showed us what they're doing to make that happen right now. So let's give them a shot. Let's give them an opportunity. They're talented. They're tough. They want to be great. They have dreams. They have big dreams. So if they're going to dream big, I would like them to do it right here in our building and try to realize those dreams with us. We will give them a shot to do that."

The plan for Neal is to continue his switch from tackle to guard, a process that was derailed with an injury in training camp.

"Evan is still 25. He's a big human being that played at a high level at 'Bama and played well for us Year 1, and for whatever reason it didn't work out. At the end of the day, you take 14 offensive linemen to training camp, and with the way the deal is structured, the deal that we got him at, he is motivated. He's been working hard all offseason. He's another guy that gets a fresh start with a new staff and in a familiar environment."

Ezeudu also dealt with an injury last year but still brings versatility with experience at both guard and tackle spots.

"Those types are good to have on the roster," Schoen said.

The fresh start won't be refreshing for just the two linemen. Cornerback Deonte Banks, the 25^th overall pick in 2023, will get a clean slate on defense while looking to build on his success last season as a kickoff returner.

Defensive coordinator Dennard Wilson has Maryland ties and is motivated to work with Banks.

"You get a chance to rewrite your story with this new staff," Schoen said. "He's still young. He's uber talented. Going into Year 4, excited to see what he does."