The New York Giants need all the help they can get at the linebacker position after losing rookie Ryan Connelly to a torn ACL against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. The Wisconsin product looked stellar in his first season in the NFL, consistently making tackles and showing improvement with every passing game.
We can hope to see him feature in a starting role next season alongside a capable option not named Alec Ogletree or Tae Davis. However, both Ogletree and Davis will return from injuries this week against the New England Patriots in what will be a difficult matchup given the unavailability of offensive studs Saquon Barkley, Sterling Shepard, and Evan Engram.
On Wednesday, though, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers released former first-round pick, Deon Bucannon, a strong linebacker with experience under Giants defensive coordinator, James Bettcher.
Well-known former Giants player Carl Banks even advocated for Deone on Twitter, stating that Big Blue would be silly not to take a flier on him:
Dear @deonebucannon20 I normally don't do this, but the #NYGiants could use a few good men.. Backer to Backer, you're that Good Man.
— Carl Banks (@CarlBanksGIII) October 9, 2019
Disclaimer: I have no influence on the dynamics of how the team selects players nor do I Deone's health status..
But I, as a pure "Fan" of @deonebucannon20 , I need every @Giants fan to tweet @deonebucannon20 and let him know we need him! And tell him Carl sent you?
— Carl Banks (@CarlBanksGIII) October 9, 2019
Bucannon could theoretically fill in at the “money backer” spot, a position that Tae Davis was supposed to excel at this season. His demise leaves a gaping hole in the defense, and the former Cardinal could fit the bill nicely. At 6-foot-1, 211-pounds, he’s an agile defender that would bring aggressiveness and athleticism to the middle of the defense.
Bucannon, who’s 27-years-old, enjoyed three stellar seasons with Bettcher in Arizona. Last season, his play fell off exponentially, playing in just six games for the Cardinals, making only 38 tackles. His role with Bettcher seemed to fit his play-style perfectly, and the Giants not kicking the tires on the veteran would be ludicrous.
In his five seasons with the Cardinals and Bettcher, he earned 404 combined tackles, seven sacks, 311 solo tackles, and 27 tackles for a loss. Reuniting the two might be a match made in heaven for a defense that ranks as one of the worst in the NFL. The defensive scheme that helped extract the best out of Bucannon could be utilized once more, and it might give the Giants confidence going into 2020, especially if his cap-hit is team-friendly.
A side not — The Giants did have interest in Bucannon over the offseason.