Giants Free Agency Round-Up: Defense
By Felix Davila
Credit: Ron Chenoy-USA TODAY Sports
Defensive Line: DE Robert Ayers, DT Mike Patterson (re-signed)
The Giants defense was actually a strength, as that side of the ball finished eighth in the league. However, long time starters in Justin Tuck and Linval Joseph departed for new opportunities, leaving a hole that needed to be addressed.
Robert Ayers was added to presumably replace Justin Tuck. Similar in build and style, Ayers had his best season last year with Denver but notched just 5.5 sacks. According to Pete Damilatis, Ayers could very well be a strong piece of the defensive end puzzle.
Robert Ayers is a nice signing for the Giants. 9th-best run D grade of any 4-3 DE last season (Tuck was 8th).
— Pete Damilatis (@PeteDamilatis) April 2, 2014
Robert Ayers can absolutely replace Justin Tuck. Their 2013 seasons were strikingly similar: #Giants pic.twitter.com/IUdXzeZXDs
— Pete Damilatis (@PeteDamilatis) April 4, 2014
If the Giants can maximize his talent level and get around seven to eight sacks out of the former Tennessee product, then that could be a big impact player to couple with a refreshed Jason Pierre-Paul.
Up and coming Damontre Moore and a hopefully rejuvenated Mathias Kiwanuka will also be heavily involved.
Mike Patterson was brought back to not only alleviate the loss of Joseph but to continue his solid play versus the run, while backing up Cullen Jenkins and the young Johnathan Hankins.