Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports

The New York Giants Have Released a Former 3rd Round Pick From the Practice Squad.

Originally posted on Gridiron Heroics
By Jackson Loschko | Last updated 12/1/23

The New York Giants have one of the worst defenses in the league. They allow the fourth most points, the second most yards, the fifth most yards per play, and the tenth most passing yards.

Their pass rush isn’t any better. Despite blitzing the second most in the league, they are 29th in sacks, 23rd in pressures, and 20th in quarterback knockdowns.

The good news for the Giants is that Azeez Ojulari returned to the lineup three weeks ago as their pass rushers are getting healthier.

Since their pass rushers are getting healthier, they released defensive end Oshane Ximines from the practice squad.

The New York Giants drafted Ximines in the 3rd round in 2019.

The New York Giants drafted Oshane Ximines in the 3rd round, 95th overall in the 2019 NFL Draft. Ximines appeared in every game and started in two during his rookie season, recording 25 tackles, five for loss, 4.5 sacks, nine quarterback hits, and 12 pressures.

An injury ended his second season.

Ximines started his second season as one of the starting defensive ends. He appeared in the first four games and started in three, recording five tackles, one for loss, three quarterback hits, and five pressures. He suffered a season-ending torn rotator cuff in Week 4.

Ximines struggled in his third season.

Ximines was in a rotational role for the first seven games of his third season. He struggled in those games and got benched six out of their last nine games. He finished with 13 tackles, two quarterback hits, and four pressures, representing 27% of defensive snaps.

Ximines got significant playing time in his fourth season.

Injuries to Azeez Ojulari and Kayvon Thibodeaux allowed Ximines to get significant playing time last season. He appeared in 15 games and started in four, recording 24 tackles, three for loss, two sacks, eight quarterback hits, one forced fumble, and nine pressures, representing 51% of defensive snaps.

Ximines has bounced around with the team this season.

The Giants re-signed Ximines to a 1-year, $1,180,000 contract during the 2023 offseason. He did not make the 53-man roster because he fell out of the defensive rotation, and they traded for Boogie Basham from the Buffalo Bills. Ximines signed to the practice squad.

An injury to Ojulari allowed Ximines to be elevated in Weeks 2, 3, and 8. He recorded four tackles, two quarterback hits, and two pressures, representing 25% of snaps in those three games.

What now?

There is a possibility that Oshane Ximines’ NFL career could be over. If not, he could sign with someone’s practice squad. He has experience as a rotational pass rusher and could serve as an emergency option.

If an edge rusher gets injured on the New York Giants, they know who to call.

This article first appeared on Gridiron Heroics and was syndicated with permission.

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