New York Giants: Defensive Ends To Consider In Free Agency

Feb 5, 2017; Houston, TX, USA; Atlanta Falcons quarterback Matt Ryan (2) is pressure on a pass attempt by New England Patriots defensive end Jabaal Sheard (93) in the third quarter during Super Bowl LI at NRG Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Richard Mackson-USA TODAY Sports
Feb 5, 2017; Houston, TX, USA; Atlanta Falcons quarterback Matt Ryan (2) is pressure on a pass attempt by New England Patriots defensive end Jabaal Sheard (93) in the third quarter during Super Bowl LI at NRG Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Richard Mackson-USA TODAY Sports /
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Dec 4, 2016; Foxborough, MA, USA; Los Angeles Rams running back Todd Gurley (30) is pursued by New England Patriots defensive end Jabaal Sheard (93) during the fourth quarter at Gillette Stadium. The New England Patriots won 26-10. Mandatory Credit: Greg M. Cooper-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 4, 2016; Foxborough, MA, USA; Los Angeles Rams running back Todd Gurley (30) is pursued by New England Patriots defensive end Jabaal Sheard (93) during the fourth quarter at Gillette Stadium. The New England Patriots won 26-10. Mandatory Credit: Greg M. Cooper-USA TODAY Sports /

Jabaal Sheard

Position: 4-3 Defensive End
Age: 27 (5/10/1989)
Experience: 6 Seasons
2016 Season Statistics: 15 GP, 33 tackles, 20 solo, 5.0 sacks, 4 passes defended

Jabaal Sheard may be the most affordable alternative to Jason Pierre-Paul. There are other options on the market, of course, but it’s Sheard who has the ability to fill the void left by Pierre-Paul at a considerably lower cost.

At 27 years of age, the reigning Super Bowl champion could be open to making the jump from the New England Patriots to the New York Giants.

Despite receiving just 1,142 snaps over the course of the past two seasons, Sheard has recorded 96 pressures and 14 sacks. In other words, when he’s on the field, he’s applying constant pressure to the quarterback.

Though it’s fair to question if he could shoulder a heavier workload, it’s clear that, at the very least, Sheard can help torment opposing quarterbacks on situational downs.

Sheard has a projected market value in the $8 million to $9 million per season range, which is far less than Pierre-Paul’s $15 million. If the Giants are looking to sign a more affordable option at defensive end, then this makes sense.

There may be better players on the open market, but with limited cap space and needs at multiple positions, Sheard could be the ideal fit.

Must Read: Offensive linemen to consider in free agency

The New York Giants have options. Who will Jerry Reese choose?