There is a good chance that the New York Giants could potentially lose Azeez Ojulari in free agency, a move that would put them down a pass rusher heading into the offseason and for 2025. However, a veteran pass rusher just became a free agent and could solve that problem for the Giants real quick.
The Tennessee Titans released veteran linebacker Harold Landry, which has a few possible implications for the 2025 NFL Draft as well as free agency.
Titans to release LB Harold Landry. (via @TomPelissero) pic.twitter.com/lyiWNbORAP
— NFL (@NFL) March 7, 2025
Landry has been a career member of the Titans, going back to when he was a second-round pick in the 2018 NFL Draft. With the Titans now holding the first overall pick in the upcoming 2025 NFL Draft and the possibility that they could go with Penn State pass rusher Abdul Carter, Landry’s release could pave the way for that.
Landry’s release could also pave the way for the Giants to grab him and add him to their pass-rushing unit, which already includes Brian Burns and Kayvon Thibodeaux. Landry would make sense for them because he wouldn't only be used as a situational pass rusher alongside Burns and Thibodeaux, but he would also be a strong fit within the current defensive scheme.
Before he became the Giants’ current defensive coordinator, Shane Bowen was the Titans' defensive coordinator for three seasons from 2021 to 2023. Landry missed the entire 2022 season due to an ACL tear, but in both the 2021 and 2023 seasons under Bowen, he recorded double-digit sacks in Tennessee—12 in 2021 and 10.5 in 2023. Once Bowen left Tennessee for the Giants, Landry still played well, but he didn’t reach double-digit sacks in 2024, finishing with nine.
One #Titans positive... Harold Landry's burst is ALL the way back 💨💨💨 pic.twitter.com/wNxfJH1xZT
— Mike Herndon (@MikeHerndonNFL) January 2, 2024
At one point in the 2024 season, the Giants’ pass rush was among the best in the league before injuries hampered key players like Thibodeaux and Dexter Lawrence. Even with those injuries, the Giants’ pass rush finished ninth in total sacks last season, proving that Bowen’s scheme still allowed their pass rushers to get after the quarterback. That will be a key focus heading into 2025.
With Ojulari likely leaving in free agency after four years with the team, replacing him in the pass-rush unit is ideal, especially with the Giants looking to improve after a disappointing season that offered few positives in their 100th year. The pass rush was one of those positives. Strengthening it even further should be a priority, and the potential addition of Landry could help accomplish that.