New York Giants rumors: Haason Reddick an ideal free agent fit?

Former Carolina Panthers edge rusher Haason Reddick could be the kind of player the New York Giants can build a pass-rush around

Few areas are in need of a significant upgrade on the New York Giants’ roster than pass-rusher.

Over the past two seasons, the Giants‘ defense produced 40 and 34 sacks respectively, and defensive end Leonard Williams is the only player to have reached double-digit sacks in a single season during that span.

The New York Giants’ lack of consistent pressure on the quarterback in recent years combined with new defensive coordinator Don ‘Wink’ Martindale’s propensity for utilizing exotic blitzes in a scheme built around relentless pressure, and it isn’t hard to envision new general manager Joe Schoen allocating resources to build a dominant edge presence.

For the Giants, though, the problem is the organization opens the offseason approximately $12 million over the salary cap.

However, Pro Football Focus believes former Carolina Panthers edge rusher Haason Reddick is an ideal fit for the New York Giants:

"Prediction: New York Giants — Three years, $35 million ($18 million guaranteed)Reddick’s pass-rushing production predictably took a minor step back in 2021 after his huge breakout year in 2020. Nonetheless, 11.0 sacks and 47 total pressures still rank pretty well compared to the rest of the league. This means Reddick should have a decently sized market this offseason. He is a good fit for Wink Martindale in New York, given his aggressive blitz-heavy scheme that needs athletic edge-rushers that can get after the quarterback when schemed free."

What Haason Reddick would bring the New York Giants’ defense

Reddick is still an ascending player, at age 27, and has produced double-digit sacks each of the past two seasons.

In his lone season in Carolina, Reddick added 44 quarterback pressures along with his 11 sacks, 53 total tackles, and one forced fumble.

Adding Reddick to a pass-rush that includes burgeoning second-round pick Azeez Ojulari, and potentially a top-10 draft choice along with a possible Lorenzo Carter return and the Giants’ edge presence may wind up being significantly upgraded this offseason.

If the New York Giants are able to land Reddick, he would vault to the top of the depth chart and in Martindale’s scheme could be capable of the most productive season of his career.