New York Giants: 5 potential replacements for Pugh, Richburg
By Henry Buggy
#1 – Andrew Norwell
There’s only one player that could top Nelson on this list of replacements, and that’s a proven first-team All-Pro.
There have already been rumors that Gettleman will look to target Norwell in free agency this offseason. Big Blue’s new general manager signed the undrafted 6-foot-6, 325-pound offensive lineman after the 2014 draft. Norwell has not disappointed in his first four seasons in Carolina, starting 54 regular season games.
He helped the Panthers reach the Super Bowl in his second season and has started in six postseason games.
Norwell didn’t allow a sack or hit on the quarterback in 2017 and his impressive play is nothing new. He is only one of four NFL offensive linemen to log at least 500 pass-blocking snaps without allowing either a sack or hit on the quarterback since 2006, according to Pro Football Focus.
While Norwell may not have the versatility to play both guard and tackle like Pugh, he would surely upgrade New York’s pass protection. And it’s not as though Norwell struggles as a run-blocker. Pro Football Focus graded him the eighth best run-blocking guard in 2017.
Given Pugh’s injury history and Gettleman’s connection to Norwell, a reunion in the Big Apple doesn’t seem too far-fetched. But then again, Norwell is expected to have plenty of suitors and will likely command top dollar on the free agent market.