The New York Giants have been rather conservative with their spending this off-season due to significant salary restraints. Bringing in Mark Glowinski, formally of the Indianapolis Colts, and backup quarterback Tyrod Taylor, mark the team’s two most lucrative signings, despite both of them being efficient contracts.
However, new general manager Joe Schoen and head coach Brian Daboll are slowly piecing together the roster, making two more signings on Monday to bolster both sides of the football.
The New York Giants made two signings on Monday:
RB: Matt Breida
Schoen signed veteran running back Matt Breida to a contract. The 27-year-old, five-year NFL veteran has come a long way from his 2018 season, where he recorded 814 yards and three scores. Since then, Breida has dealt with significant injuries, making his way to the Buffalo Bills last season when he served as a reserve option behind Devin Singletary and Zack Moss.
At this point in his career, Breida isn’t exactly considered an impact player, but he’s a capable reserve that can fill a specific role and support Saquon Barkley, given he isn’t traded this off-season. The expectation is that Big Blue will also draft a running back in the middle rounds, having attendant Georiga’s pro day to take a good look at James Cook and his versatility out of the backfield.
EDGE: Jihad Ward
The Giants also signed former Baltimore Raven and Jacksonville Jaguars defensive end Jahid Ward, who played in all 17 games last year.
Ward, who stands at 6’5″ and 285 pounds, is preparing to turn 28 years old this year. Last season with Jacksonville, he tallied 32 combined tackles, three tackles for loss, seven quarterback hits, and two sacks.
Given Wink Martindale’s familiarity with Ward during his time in Baltimore, the connection was obvious. The deal is likely a one-year contract for minimum money, adding a bit of veteran experience to a position that just lost Lorenzo Carter on Monday, signing a contract with the Atlanta Falcons for one season.