Former NY Giants first-round OL says he’s eyeing a return to the team

With just over three weeks until the NY Giants season opener against the Dallas Cowboys, many teams around the league are still finalizing their 53-man rosters. In fact, two veteran running backs found new homes on Monday.

The New York Jets have reportedly signed four-time Pro Bowler Dalvin Cook to a one-year, $8.6 million contract, and the New England Patriots will be bringing in Ezekiel Elliott on a one-year deal worth up to $6 million.

As several teams continue to make their final moves ahead of the 2023 season, the question remains, will Giants' general manager Joe Schoen pursue any free agents, or is he confident in the team's current roster? Well, former Big Blue offensive lineman Justin Pugh has made it clear he is interested in returning to East Rutherford this season.

The free-agent offensive lineman expressed his love for playing in New York on Twitter last month and still has his heart set on a reunion with the organization. While Giants fans may love the idea of bringing the veteran back to where he started his career, it may not make sense for the team to pursue things due to Pugh's recent injury history.

Can Justin Pugh make an immediate impact for an NFL team in 2023?

The New York Giants selected Pugh 19th overall in the 2013 NFL Draft, where he spent his first five seasons in the league. He started 63 games with Big Blue and contributed significantly to the left and right side of the offensive line during his time in New York.

In 2018, the veteran lineman signed a five-year, $45 million contract with the Arizona Cardinals. While Pugh earned that contract at the time, he did not exceed expectations in Arizona. He suffered multiple injuries with the Cardinals, including a torn ACL last season.

Pugh turned 33 on Tuesday and is currently a free agent this offseason. The former first-round pick is expected to return for his 11th NFL campaign this fall and is seeking a new home for 2023. However, his health brings many concerns to teams looking for an asset for their offensive line.

While Pugh's leadership and experience could appeal to many teams, it's up in the air if Schoen and the Giants will be pursuing the veteran lineman right now. But, you never know if the team faces injury problems and lacks depth on the offensive line during the regular season, then Big Blue could make the call.

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