Blake Martinez tears ACL, sources say, how NY Giants can replace key LB

NY Giants defensive captain Blake Martinez is out for the season, after tearing his ACL Sunday against the Falcons creating a massive void

The NY Giants’ worst fears were confirmed Monday, when tests revealed inside linebacker and defensive captain Blake Martinez suffered a torn ACL and is out for the season, team and league sources confirmed to FanSided.

News of Martinez’ injury was first reported by ESPN’s Jordan Raanan.

Martinez is one of the Giants‘ most consistent defensive players, and in many ways the heart and soul of Patrick Graham’s defense.

Sunday afternoon, second-year linebacker Tae Crowder stepped in and filled the void left behind by Martinez, and finished with a game-high 11 tackles in a one-point loss to the Atlanta Falcons.

For Martinez, a year-long rehab awaits.

But, for the NY Giants, young players on the roster will be called upon to fill expanded roles, and the front office might be forced to scour free agency to find a viable replacement.

Here are three free agents the NY Giants can target to replace Blake Martinez:

Vince Biegel

Biegel might be the most talented player, with familiarity with Patrick Graham’s defense, currently available in free agency.

A three-year veteran, Biegel was in Green Bay with Graham in 2017, and again in the middle of Graham’s defense in 2019 with the Miami Dolphins.

In 38 career games, including 10 starts, Biegel has amassed 79 total tackles, nine tackles for loss, with 2.5 sacks and 13 quarterback hits.

Biegel would need to prove that he’s healthy enough to get on the field, after a torn Achilles tendon ended his 2020 season before it had the chance to begin, last August. He was placed on injured reserve by the Packers prior to final roster cuts.

If Biegel is healthy, he’d provide experience and some stability to a young linebacker corps.