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3 defensive players it’s not too late for NY Giants GM Joe Schoen to sign

By Reese Nasser

ASHWAUBENON, WISCONSIN - AUGUST 19: Kevin King #20 of the Green Bay Packers walks across the field during Green Bay Packers Training Camp at Ray Nitschke Field on August 19, 2020 in Ashwaubenon, Wisconsin. (Photo by Dylan Buell/Getty Images)
ASHWAUBENON, WISCONSIN - AUGUST 19: Kevin King #20 of the Green Bay Packers walks across the field during Green Bay Packers Training Camp at Ray Nitschke Field on August 19, 2020 in Ashwaubenon, Wisconsin. (Photo by Dylan Buell/Getty Images) /
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EAST RUTHERFORD, NEW JERSEY – SEPTEMBER 19: Linebacker Dont’a Hightower #54 of the New England Patriots reacts after making a defensive play in the second quarter of the game against the New York Jets at MetLife Stadium on September 19, 2021 in East Rutherford, New Jersey. (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images)
EAST RUTHERFORD, NEW JERSEY – SEPTEMBER 19: Linebacker Dont’a Hightower #54 of the New England Patriots reacts after making a defensive play in the second quarter of the game against the New York Jets at MetLife Stadium on September 19, 2021 in East Rutherford, New Jersey. (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images) /

2. LB Dont’a Hightower

The Giants are in need of another veteran within their linebacker group. Longtime New England Patriots middle linebacker Dont’a Hightower could be the perfect fit.

Hightower has been among the most underrated players at his position since being drafted in 2012. After taking the 2020 season off due to COVID, Hightower returned with a vengeance in 2021. After taking the first few weeks to knock off the dust, he became a consistent piece in the Patriots run defense.

Hightower will be heading into year 10. At age 32, he is already a two-time Pro Bowler and a three-time Super Bowl champ. He has filled the stat sheet through 117 career games. He has recorded 569 tackles, 43 tackles for loss and 27 sacks. According to PFF, he has generated 210 pressures throughout his career.

His influence is felt in both run and pass defense. Last season, he posted a PFF defensive grade of 69.0. Throughout the entirety of his career, he has allowed just 245 receptions and seven touchdowns while being in coverage for 2,391 total snaps.

Adding Hightower to the roster could be massively beneficial to the younger players. The presence of an accomplished player, who can still perform, could help them both on and off the field.

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