Giants can fix defensive liability with three-time Pro Bowler
The New York Giants have two young, hungry, and blooming edge rushers in Kayvon Thibodeaux and Azeez Ojualri. The problem is, they lack notable depth behind them, and are one injury away from having a liability at pass rusher. So today I'm going to explain why former first overall pick Jadeveon Clowney would be a […]
The New York Giants have two young, hungry, and blooming edge rushers in Kayvon Thibodeaux and Azeez Ojualri.
The problem is, they lack notable depth behind them, and are one injury away from having a liability at pass rusher.
So today I'm going to explain why former first overall pick Jadeveon Clowney would be a perfect fit in New York's defense.
Marc Sessler of NFL Media recently released a piece that detailed every team's biggest remaining need of the offseason, listing edge rusher for the Giants and saying:
Kayvon Thibodeaux and Azeez Ojulari form a spicy duo along the edge, but the latter missed 10 games a year ago. Thibodeaux morphed into a monster down the stretch, but also lost three starts to injury. There's a lot to like, but general manager Joe Schoen would be wise to add a veteran to round out an inexperienced group. Outside linebacker was ignored both in the draft and free agency beyond re-upping with Jihad Ward. Expect Big Blue to add a body.
Well, I happen to know of a "body" that fits the bill for this need and it comes by way of former first-overall pick and three-time Pro Bowler Jadeveon Clowney.
Drafted first overall in 2014 out of South Carolina by the Houston Texans, Clowney never really lived up to the "generational" label that many put on him, but he's been a very good player and should still have something left in the tank.
Just turning 30 in February, Clowney was injured for much of last year, but in 2021 he had one of his most productive seasons at age 28 for the Browns, recording nine sacks and two forced fumbles over 14 games started.
But that's the thing, New York doesn't need Clowney to start, instead, he would be a designated pass rusher that could spell either Ojulari or Thibodeaux, with the experience and talent to play in a larger role should injury occur.
And Clowney also fits the system, as he's played as both a defensive end and outside linebacker during his tenure in the NFL, making his transition to Wink Martindale's defense fairly seamless.
Now, the issue, and reason why Clowney is still on the street is likely due to the financials, as he's probably searching for something a little more stable in terms of years or maybe even salary.
But teams obviously arent willing to budge, and unless Clowney wants to retire, he may have to be the one coming off his asking price. If that's the case, I can see a world where Clowney is sporting the colors of "big blue" in the fall.
