Source: Former New York Giants LB Olivier Vernon aims to play in 2022

Former New York Giants edge rusher Olivier Vernon expects to be fully healthy when the 2022 season arrives, and could be a solid veteran signing for teams looking for pass-rush help

Former New York Giants edge rusher and free agent Olivier Vernon intends to play this season, and expects to be full-strength by the season, a league source tells FanSided.

Vernon, 31, missed the entire 2021 campaign after tearing his Achilles tendon in Week 17 of the 2020 season.

Prior to his injury, Vernon was in the midst of one of the more productive seasons of his career, producing nine sacks, 28 quarterback pressures, and 36 total tackles in 14 games.

That season, Vernon garnered a 74.8 overall grade from Pro Football Focus, as one of the Browns’ highest-rated defenders.

Vernon spent three seasons with the Giants, prior to being traded to the Browns as part of the Odell Beckham Jr. blockbuster deal in 2019. During his time in East Rutherford, Vernon produced 22 sacks, including an 8.5 sack campaign in 2016.

The fact that Vernon expects to be healthy during the season could make him a high-upside free-agent target for teams looking to add a veteran presence to bolster its pass rush.

A savvy pass-rusher who knows how to generate consistent pressure on the quarterback, Vernon could see a strong market if he proves that he is fully recovered from his injury. especially given the premium that teams place on edge rushers, and how valuable the position is to contending.