Remember Gunner Olszewski, the dynamic kick returner who earned All-Pro honors? After a stint with the New York Giants, he’s back on the market. Will this proven special teams talent find a new home before Week 1, or is his NFL journey at a crossroads?

The New York Giants have made a notable move in their roster adjustments, releasing veteran kick returner Gunner Olszewski, a player with a history of both electrifying plays and critical errors. This decision marks a pivotal moment for Olszewski, an undrafted wideout who once achieved All-Pro status in the NFL, as he now seeks his fourth team in a league constantly optimizing its special teams units.

Olszewski’s journey to the Giants followed a period with the Pittsburgh Steelers, where he spent a year and a half after departing from the New England Patriots. His arrival in New York was met with expectations that his experience as a dynamic return specialist could solidify their special teams. However, despite making the initial 53-man roster, the Giants opted for external options, leading to his recent departure.

During the 2023 season, Olszewski participated in 10 games for the New York Giants, contributing primarily on special teams. His performance included nine punt returns for 63 yards and five kick returns for 73 yards. While these numbers showcased his involvement, they also reflected a challenging period that ultimately saw his role diminish due to a series of critical fumbles and muffed returns, which had plagued parts of his career.

The competitive nature of the NFL ensures that every play, especially in high-pressure special teams scenarios, is scrutinized. Olszewski’s tenure as a primary returner for multiple teams has been characterized by moments of brilliance interspersed with costly mistakes, creating an inconsistent profile for the 28-year-old athlete.

Despite recent challenges, Gunner Olszewski’s pedigree as an elite NFL kick returner is undeniable. His standout 2020 season with the New England Patriots saw him earn First-Team All-Pro honors, leading the league in punt return yards with an impressive 346, including a touchdown. That same year, he also recorded a career-high of 418 kick return yards, cementing his reputation as a formidable special teams weapon.

Now a free agent, Olszewski finds himself at a crucial juncture in his career. His proven ability to break big returns and impact field position makes him an intriguing candidate for any NFL team in need of special teams help. With the league’s final roster cuts having just concluded, the landscape for acquiring veteran talent is rapidly shifting, offering potential new opportunities.

As teams continue to fine-tune their rosters before Week 1, the market for players like Olszewski remains active. His impressive preseason performance, coupled with his All-Pro past, could lead to a quick signing. The question remains which team will take a chance on the veteran specialist, hoping to reignite the spark that once made him one of the league’s most exciting kick returners.