Outside linebacker, also known as edge rusher, remains a surprise vulnerability for the New York Giants, who will need to address roster concerns on both sides of the ball in 2024. With the exception of previous first round pick Kayvon Thibodeaux, Big Blue received very nothing from their OLBs in 2023. Moreover, they took little action last spring to strengthen the situation.
In his 10-point offseason plan published on February 19, Dan Duggan of The Athletic’s NYG insider Dan Duggan suggested the Giants to rectify that mistake by bringing in a fair free agent in Miami Dolphins veteran Andrew Van Ginkel.
To be honest, Duggan said, “The Giants made a mistake last offseason by not addressing their pass rush.” Azeez Ojulari, an outside linebacker, struggled with injuries once more and was ineffective while playing. Despite having 11.5 sacks, Kayvon Thibodeaux was erratic and had an excessive workload.
The beat reporter stated that he thinks “the Giants should add an edge rusher to complement Thibodeaux and accommodate a better rotation,” even if he is opposed to spending a lot of money on a pass rusher this cycle.
Duggan said, “As a well-rounded outside linebacker, Van Ginkel is an intriguing option.” The 28-year-old finished the previous season with six sacks and 53 pressures, which ranked 29th in the league. Van Ginkel is also capable of covering, something the defense of new coach Shane Bowen demands of his outside linebackers.The Fins will need to reduce payroll over the next weeks in order to catch up to their current deficit of about $52 million entering the new league season. After a successful comeback season in 2023, Van Ginkel is not anticipated to be one of the important free agents that Miami will try to keep.
