Giants Rumors: Edge Rusher, Guard 'Actively' Gauged by NY Ahead of NFL Free Agency

The New York Giants are reportedly looking to fortify their defensive and offensive lines in free agency later this month.

According to ESPN's Jordan Raanan, sources at the NFL Scouting Combine in Indianapolis said the Giants are "actively gauging the market" for edge rushers and offensive guards.

Raanan noted that he expects the Giants to add pass-rushing depth alongside Kayvon Thibodeaux and Azeez Ojulari with the potential to sign a "high-end player" at the position.

He also believes New York will sign a starting quality guard with an average annual salary in the range of $8 million.

New York is coming off a disappointing 6-11 season after going 9-7-1 and reaching the playoffs in 2023, so there could be some significant roster turnover.

The Giants tied for 28th in the NFL in sacks last season with 34, so it comes as little surprise that they are reportedly focusing on improving the pass rush.

Thibodeaux, who was the No. 5 overall pick in the 2022 NFL draft, enjoyed a breakout season in 2023, leading the G-Men with 11.5 sacks.

Jihad Ward, who is set to become a free agent, was second on the team with only five sacks, while Ojulari had just 2.5 sacks in 11 games.

Some of the elite edge rushers set to potentially hit the free-agent market this offseason include Josh Allen of the Jacksonville Jaguars, Brian Burns of the Carolina Panthers, Chase Young of the San Francisco 49ers, Danielle Hunter of the Minnesota Vikings and Jonathan Greenard of the Houston Texans.

Any of them would represent huge upgrades for the Giants, but they all figure to land fairly substantial contracts as well.

If New York wants to pay a bit less or hand out a shorter-term deal, veterans such as Jadeveon Clowney, Za'Darius Smith or Shaquil Barrett could be attractive.

In addition to pressuring the quarterback, protecting their own quarterback was a huge issue for the Giants in 2023, as they surrendered a league-high 85 sacks, which was 20 more than the next-highest team.

New York has a somewhat promising offensive tackle duo in 2020 first-round pick Andrew Thomas and 2022 first-round pick Evan Neal, but the guard situation is a mess.

Ben Bredeson, Justin Pugh and Sean Harlow are all set to become free agents, and upgrades are desperately needed.

Some of the top guards expected to be available on the free-agent market include Robert Hunt of the Miami Dolphins, Kevin Dotson of the Los Angeles Rams, Jonah Jackson of the Detroit Lions and Kevin Zeitler of the Baltimore Ravens, among others.

Through free agency and the draft, New York may need to find two new starting guards, so it is understandable why the Giants are reportedly emphasizing rebuilding their interior offensive line.