Signing a former Philadelphia Eagles player is never a happy moment for a New York Giants fan, but when it comes in the form of linebacker Connor Barwin, it might just be. You might ask, why? And the answer is simply: He’s much more than just a player; he fits general manager Dave Gettleman’s mold perfectly.
The Giants signed Barwin to a max $5 million over two-years. Having the former Eagle and Ram is fantastic for a team that’s making the transition to the 3-4 defense, a scheme that Barwin is familiar with.
How has Connor Barwin already made an impact on the Giants in just a week?
Among those staying on the field post-practice: OLBs Connor Barwin working with Lorenzo Carter, Avery Moss and Jordan Williams. #Giants
— Art Stapleton (@art_stapleton) July 28, 2018
The veteran linebacker has taken the young players under his wing, helping them develop and learn how to play efficiently as an outside linebacker. His impact has been impressive right off the bat and he hasn’t even been with the team an entire week. He sets the stage for the future free agents the Giants will look for to help solidify both sides of the ball.
Barwin will not only be used as a teacher, but as a potential starting edge rusher as well. He will likely split reps with Lorenzo Carter early in the season and ease back into a rotational player. His ability to get after the opposing quarterback has been apparent over the course of his career, as he recorded 14.5 sacks in 2014.
Although he fell off a bit in the last two years, he will be a great reserve player and fill-in starter. Having depth on the defensive line is essential and was a serious problem in 2017 for the Giants. Luckily, they are building through the trenches in 2018, which will help maintain the quality of the team’s core once the regular season begins.