4 pass-rushers the NY Giants can target this offseason
Joe Schoen needs to bring in a stud to help out Kayvon Thibodeaux
The pass-rush department will be one of the positional needs that Joe Schoen and the NY Giants must address this offseason. The Giants enjoyed sporadic breakout performances on defense throughout the season, but they sometimes lacked consistency and productivity. Overall, the Giants ranked 27th in total defense, allowing 361.7 yards on average and 48 touchdowns.
The G-Men will seek a talented edge-rusher this offseason to pair with Kayvon Thibodeaux, who totaled 11.5 sacks and 26 tackles in 2023, via trade or free agency. While the second-year stud had double-digit sacks, he struggled to perform consistently, and only about one or two of his sacks were beating a tackle one-on-one.
#FFIDP - ED, Kayvon Thibodeaux, New York Giants
— Jon Macri (@PFF_Macri) January 17, 2024
Thibs delivered an impressive 11.5 sacks in Year 2, however, his pass-rush metrics were anything but impressive. There's no way around it, the numbers aren't good.
If those metrics continue into Year 3, expect regression in 2024. pic.twitter.com/gYcSuMLUHt
This offseason, Thibodueax will work on improving for 2024. However, the Giants will still look to provide some extra help in that area, especially with a new defensive coordinator and a new look coming to the defense next season. With that said, let's take a look at four pass-rushers the Giants could pursue this offseason via trade or free agency:
4. Leonard Williams
One player Schoen could consider bringing back to New York is defensive end Leonard Williams, who will be a free agent this offseason. Williams spent five years with the Giants before being dealt to the Seattle Seahawks at the deadline this past year in exchange for two draft picks, which means he already has chemistry with several G-Men defensive players, including nose tackle Dexter Lawrence.
Before joining the Seahawks, Williams had 21 combined tackles, 1.5 sacks, one tackle for a loss, and five quarterback hits in eight games. He finished the season totaling 41 combined tackles, four sacks, 10 tackles for a loss, and 16 quarterback hits.
With Big Cat set to hit the open market this offseason, it will be interesting to see if Big Blue's front office considers a reunion with the veteran pass-rusher. While the Giants will have a new defensive coordinator in 2024, Williams could quickly adjust to the team's new defensive scheme and would be a viable threat with plenty of experience playing in New York.