The NY Giants remain devoid of a proven dominant pass-rusher, but several remaining NFL free agents could give the defense a boost this season
Since the days of Justin Tuck and Jason Pierre-Paul drifted away, the NY Giants have been scratching and clawing to put together a formidable pass rush.
Defensive coordinator, Patrick Graham, used his intelligence to scheme up a pass rush at times last season – but unfortunately had to sacrifice other parts of his defense to do so. On the field, Leonard Williams was a godsend in 2020 – shattering all expectations on his way to 11.5 sacks.
The Giants’ brass bolstered their talent this off-season – bringing in Ifeadi Odenigbo and Azeez Ojulari. The calvary is coming back as well, as Oshane Ximines and Lorenzo Carter will both be returning.
The burning question – is that enough?
With some interesting names still unsigned, the Giants should take a flyer on one to help bolster their unit. With so many question marks littered throughout, it could mean the difference between a legitimate pass rush – or more of the same.
Here are the top 4 bargain pass rushers still available that the NY Giants should sign:
Adrian Clayborn
Since coming into the National Football League in 2011, Adrian Clayborn has always made the most of his opportunities.
He’s never going to be an every down pass-rusher, but he’s going to get his when he’s in the game. He has the occasional takeover game as well – he once had six sacks in one game as a member of the Atlanta Falcons against the Dallas Cowboys.
Clayborn’s gotten a Super Bowl ring with the New England Patriots, and bounced around with a second stint in Atlanta and then one year with the Cleveland Browns since then. If he can join the NY Giants, he could provide valuable veteran leadership – along with his pass rushing skills.
Graham would love to find situations to deploy his new secret weapon in Clayborn.
Justin Houston
Once upon a time, Justin Houston led the NFL in sacks.
He was unblock-able – much to Giants’ fans dismay, he came within one sack of passing Michael Strahan for the single season sack record. After that, a torn ACL hampered his abilities – but he’s been a solid addition to a great Indianapolis Colts defense.
Houston may be out of the Giants’ price range, but he would be an invaluable addition. He just finds ways to disrupt the quarterback, and he’s proven he still has some gas left in the tank.
Even if it’s just a one year deal, the wealth of knowledge he could share with Carter, Ximines and Ojulari may be worth the price-tag – the sacks would be the cherry on top.
Vic Beasley
Has any player had a bigger fall from grace than Vic Beasley?
Once considered a superstar after pacing the league with 15.5 sacks in 2016, Beasley’s worth has crashed faster than a volatile stock. He spent 2020 with the Tennessee Titans and Las Vegas Raiders – he didn’t record a sack at either stop.
The NY Giants would be taking a chance on Beasley’s talent – trusting their coaching staff to bring him back to form. The pass rusher is still just 28 years old – he could become a long-term piece if Graham is able to unlock the animal inside of Beasley.
After a once promising start, it would be a shame to see the former first round pick waste his potential – hopefully he could realize it in East Rutherford.
Ziggy Ansah
Prior to the 2017 season, the NY Giants were expected by many to win the division. Then, after a week one blunder in Dallas, Ziggy Ansah completely wrecked whatever game-plan Ben McAdoo had.
The rest is history, but Ansah’s three sack performance on Monday Night Football showed that he was a ferocious pass rusher. He finished the season with 12 sacks, earning the franchise tag from the Detroit Lions.
Since then, injuries have ruined each season for the former first rounder. His final season in Detroit and subsequent stints in Seattle and San Francisco have all been derailed by a litany of nagging injuries.
The Giants have nothing to lose by signing Ansah.
He’s still a 6 ft, 5 in mountain of a man who’s speed and strength make him a danger every-time he steps on the field. Even in a situational role, it would be wise to give the man a chance.
The talent is there – if he could stay healthy, it’s possible Ansah could be a huge get for the Giants.