The New York Giants aren't done tweaking their defense in free agency. While the big-name signings of Jevon Holland and Paulson Adebo grabbed headlines, general manager Joe Schoen is still working to add depth across the board. His latest moves? Signing defensive lineman Jeremiah Ledbetter and linebacker Demetrius Flannigan-Fowles.
Neither player is expected to be a major difference-maker, but they bring valuable experience to a Giants defense that struggled in 2024. After finishing in the bottom third of the league in rush defense and special teams play, these signings are all about reinforcing areas that hurt the team last season.
Both Ledbetter and Flannigan-Fowles fit the Giants' recent trend of prioritizing versatility. Ledbetter can line up both inside and outside on the defensive line, while Flannigan-Fowles is a proven special teams guy who can also give the G-Men some depth at linebacker.
Giants add two experienced depth pieces to the defense
Ledbetter (30) is coming off his best season with the Jacksonville Jaguars, where he played in 15 games and registered two sacks, eight tackles for loss, and 38 total tackles. A former sixth-round pick by the Detroit Lions in 2017, he has bounced around the league with stops in Tampa Bay and Arizona before finding a role in Jacksonville over the last two years.
At 6-foot-3 and 299 pounds, Ledbetter’s ability to play multiple positions along the defensive line makes him a useful addition for defensive coordinator Shane Bowen. He won’t be an every-down player, but he gives the Giants a rotational piece who can step in when needed.
Flannigan-Fowles (28) spent the last five seasons with the San Francisco 49ers after signing as an undrafted free agent out of Arizona in 2019. He played in 73 games, starting seven, but made his biggest impact on special teams. Since 2020, Flannigan-Fowles ranks in the top 20 in total special teams tackles (37) and was fifth in the league with 15 special teams tackles in 2022.
Last season, Flannigan-Fowles started a career-high three games and recorded his first career interception. While he won’t be competing for a starting linebacker spot in New York, he should be a core special teamer and could see rotational snaps behind Bobby Okereke and Micah McFadden.
These signings may not move the needle for Giants fans hoping for splashier moves, but depth is crucial in the NFL. Injuries happen, and the Giants learned the hard way last year that not having quality backups can sink a season. These moves won’t define New York’s offseason, but they could quietly pay off as the season goes.