We are one month away from the new NFL season, and teams are still making their final moves to gear up for 2023. However, after a busy offseason, NY Giants GM Joe Schoen and head coach Brian Daboll appear to be confident in the guys they currently have on the roster.
Free agent inside linebacker Anthony Barr recently visited the New Orleans Saints, but he didn't sign with the team. Insider Josina Anderson originally reported that Barr was working to visit the G-Men, which had fans excited.
Free agent LB Anthony Barr told me he's currently targeting the #Giants for his next visit.
— JosinaAnderson (@JosinaAnderson) August 9, 2023
The sides are working on scheduling a firm date.
Additionally, Barr did pass his physical with the #Saints earlier, but added he'd like to visit more teams before making his decision.
The Giants lack depth at the linebacker position. The team announced that LB Jarrad Davis would undergo season-ending knee surgery after suffering an injury during OTAs. While the Giants did sign Bobby Okereke this offseason and are currently exploring their options with second-year linebackers Micah McFadden and Darrian Beavers, Barr would've been a huge boost to Wink Martindale's defense.
With that said, Barr coming in for a visit would have made sense, but it's off the table for now. According to NJ.com's Darryl Slater, Schoen has changed his mind with the four-time Pro Bowl linebacker.
Giants reportedly won't be bringing in LB Anthony Barr for a visit
Despite the initial reports of both sides working on scheduling a visit and the Giants' need for linebacker help, they will be moving in a different direction. This likely means that the Giants are looking for younger talent at inside linebacker and have confidence in either Beavers or McFadden to win the job out of camp.
Beavers is listed as the starter on the team's first unofficial depth chart of 2023, released Tuesday. He missed his rookie season last year due to an ACL tear. While Beavers is healthy and is back competing this offseason, McFadden is most suited to earn the starting role from our chair.
Last season as a rookie, McFadden recorded 59 tackles (36 solo), two sacks, and a forced fumble in 17 appearances and seven starts. Giants fans still wonder who the team will name as the starting inside linebacker out of camp for Week 1 against the Dallas Cowboys. We hope to find out soon.
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