NFL analyst links star veteran pass-rusher to Giants in free agency

The New York Giants amassed a grand total of 34 sacks this past season, so obviously, they need help with their pass rush.

Outside of linebacker Kayvon Thibodeaux, who racked up 11.5 sacks in 2023, the Giants had just one other player who logged five sacks: defensive end Jihad Ward, who recorded five and is slated to hit free agency next week.

New York will have some hefty cap space heading into the offseason, so it should have the financial wherewithal to be able to address this problem in the coming weeks.

ESPN’s Jordan Raanan ran down a list a of pass rushers the Giants are expected to pursue this offseason, and while Minnesota Vikings superstar Danielle Hunter is who fans would understandably prefer, Raanan says that Big Blue is not expected to spend in that range.

Instead, Raanan mentioned Buffalo Bulls edge rusher Leonard Floyd, who Raanan says is a player that New York has “long coveted.”

Floyd is coming off of a terrific 2023 campaign in which he registered 32 tackles, 10.5 sacks and a forced fumble.

The 31-year-old, who played his collegiate football at the University of Georgia, was originally selected by the Chicago Bears with the ninth overall pick of the 2016 NFL Draft.

He spent the first four years of his career with the Bears and was fairly underwhelming. However, Floyd finally broke out once he joined the Los Angeles Rams in 2020, rattling off 55 tackles and 10.5 sacks.

In three seasons with the Rams, Floyd accumulated an impressive 29 sacks. He linked up with the Bills on a one-year deal last year.

Floyd has tallied at least nine sacks in each of his last four campaigns, so he would certainly be a big help to a Giants’ defensive front that desperately needs some assistance getting to the quarterback.