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4 LBs the NY Giants should stay away from in free agency

By Desmond Novack

CLEVELAND, OHIO - OCTOBER 31: Deion Jones #54 of the Cleveland Browns celebrates after sacking Joe Burrow #9 of the Cincinnati Bengals during the second half of the game at FirstEnergy Stadium on October 31, 2022 in Cleveland, Ohio. (Photo by Nick Cammett/Getty Images)
CLEVELAND, OHIO - OCTOBER 31: Deion Jones #54 of the Cleveland Browns celebrates after sacking Joe Burrow #9 of the Cincinnati Bengals during the second half of the game at FirstEnergy Stadium on October 31, 2022 in Cleveland, Ohio. (Photo by Nick Cammett/Getty Images) /
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EAST RUTHERFORD, NEW JERSEY – NOVEMBER 13: (NEW YORK DAILIES OUT) Jaylon Smith #54 of the New York Giants in action against the Houston Texans at MetLife Stadium on November 13, 2022 in East Rutherford, New Jersey. The Giants defeated the Texans 24-16. (Photo by Jim McIsaac/Getty Images)
EAST RUTHERFORD, NEW JERSEY – NOVEMBER 13: (NEW YORK DAILIES OUT) Jaylon Smith #54 of the New York Giants in action against the Houston Texans at MetLife Stadium on November 13, 2022 in East Rutherford, New Jersey. The Giants defeated the Texans 24-16. (Photo by Jim McIsaac/Getty Images) /

3: Jaylon Smith

While there is a solid chance Jaylon Smith could come back next season on the practice squad, we would really rather just not have to deal with watching him play football for the Giants again. Smith showcased that he was one of the worst linebackers in all of football last season and he should not be rewarded for it.

Smith is a nice guy to have as a veteran leader and locker room presence, but as a player it’s pretty clear that his career is likely coming to an end unless something drastically changes, and by that, we mean that he learns how to properly read a run. It was incredibly painful to watch Smith play football at times. While he would occasionally make a nice play or two, it’s not enough to make up for just how awful he was almost every other snap.

In addition to being completely unable to read a run, Smith is also a total liability in coverage, allowing 24 catches on 29 targets for 211 yards. There really isn’t much Smith can do on the field anymore and the NY Giants front office should not be tempted to bring him back and give Smith yet another chance.

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