There's no question that NY Giants general manager Joe Schoen has done a fantastic job in improving the interior defensive line this offseason. However, there's still some work to be done when it comes to the guys coming off the edge.
While Kayvon Thibodeaux and Azeez Ojulari form quite the duo for the pass-rush, there's still some depth needed for the unit. Luckily for Schoen, there are still some studs out in free agency looking for new homes.
From our chair, we think Schoen should reach out to these three guys on our list and see how much it would cost to get them to don a Big Blue jersey for the 2023 campaign:
3. Pass-rusher Yannick Ngakoue
To start things off, how about Yannick Ngakoue? The former Colt has loads of experience, as he's getting ready to enter the eighth year of his NFL career. After spending the first four years of his career with the Jacksonville Jaguars, the pass-rusher has bounced around a bit, suiting up for the Colts, Raiders, Ravens and Vikings.
Checking in at 6-2, 245 pounds, Ngakoue is a physical specimen and a hard guy to stop in the trenches. He has been a force in recent years, giving opposing offensive linemen all kinds of trouble when going to battle. Ngakoue has 19.5 sacks to his name over the past two campaigns. In 2021, he posted 10 sacks with Las Vegas.
He followed things up with 9.5 sacks for the Colts last season. Those are impressive numbers and it shows how valuable he can be for a team's defense. It's a bit of a surprise that Ngakoue hasn't been swooped up yet, but this is good news for Schoen and Co. If the dollars are right on both sides, then a signing is definitely something we'd love to see happen.
2. Pass-rusher Justin Houston
This isn't the first time we've mentioned Justin Houston as a possible target for the Giants, as signing him would make a ton of sense. There's no one out there with more experience than Houston, as he has proven time and time again that he can compete at a high level. The veteran standout is coming off a strong year with the Ravens, recording 9.5 sacks.
Yes, Houston's best football is behind him, but he's still a four-time Pro Bowler and he took home First Team All-Pro honors in 2014. That season, the sacks machine posted 22 - yup, he was a monster that fall and winter for the Kansas City Chiefs. Houston has 12 years of action under his belt and year No. 13 is on the way soon.
However, no one knows which team he'll end up suiting up for. Houston remains a free agent, but several Giants fans have been calling for Schoen to get him in town for a visit as soon as possible. Houston wouldn't break the bank with a one-year contract.
The Giants would still need to create some cap space to bring in a new edge-rusher, but something tells us Schoen isn't done making big moves this offseason. Adding someone like Houston would really be a blessing for defensive coordinator Wink Martindale and head man Brian Daboll.
1. Pass-rusher Jadeveon Clowney
This one might feel like a bit of a wild card, but Jadeveon Clowney has entered the chat. Clowney himself is still looking for a new squad to ball out for in '23. Why not the G-Men? Similar to the other guys on this list, Clowney could be had on an afforable one-year deal. Clowney isn't a superstar anymore who would require a major payday.
He also wouldn't arrive to East Rutherford expected to be the star of the unit, as has been the case for him in the past. Clowney is coming off a bit of a down year, as he finished with only 28 total tackles and two sacks for the Cleveland Browns. The year before, though, the talented pass-rusher helped the Browns out with nine sacks.
With Thibodeaux and Ojulari manning the pass-rush, Clowney would be a magnificent depth addition. A major concern for Ojulari heading into the new campaign is his ability to stay healthy too, as he missed 10 games last season. If things continue to be a problem for him, or he needs a break, Clowney would be a great option behind him.
At 6-5, 255 pounds, Clowney's presence alone up front would be great to see for the Giants defense. He's known for bulldozing his way through blockers to post QB pressures. All three of these guys would be solid options for the Giants, as depth here is a bit of a problem.
There's plenty of time for Schoen to work his magic and see if these pass-rushers would have interest in doing something special at MetLife Stadium in '23.
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