New York Giants: 5 young defensive players to target in free agency
By Reese Nasser
Uchenna Nwosu, Edge Rusher
PFF Projected Deal: 3 yrs — $8.75m avg/yr
Chargers edge rusher Uchenna Nwosu is hitting free agency just months after turning 25 years old. Given his age, Nwosu could be the perfect candidate to join a young defense such as the Giants.
Nwosu played well in an expanded role last season. He started 15 games in 2021. He also doubled his former high in snaps by playing in a total of 781.
In his expanded role, Nwosu set career-highs across the board. He recorded five sacks, 40 total tackles, eight tackles for loss, and 17 quarterback hits. He also finished with one interception, four defended passes and two forced fumbles.
What a move from Uchenna Nwosu pic.twitter.com/MKbCjLml23
— Daniel Popper (@danielrpopper) November 18, 2021
Nwosu has proven to be a solid pass rusher and can impact the game in this area of the game. This past season, his pass-rush grade was the highest-graded area of his game. He recorded a 68.5 pass-rush grade according to PFF.
While Nwosu has started just 25 games in his career, he has still appeared in nearly every Chargers game over the past four seasons. He can handle a starting role and could grow alongside another young edge rusher in Azeez Ojulari. Given he is willing to leave his home state of California, the Giants could be a great landing spot for the young rusher.