Good Morning, New York Giants Fans!
The Giants are extremely thin at the linebacker position, which is why kicking the tires on recently cut San Francisco 49er Malcolm Smith might not be a bad idea.
The seven-year veteran is preparing to hit the free agency market after a 2018 season plagued with injuries. The Giants could theoretically swoop in and grab him off the market after Saturday’s roster cut deadline.
Smith is a productive linebacker in the tackles category, breaking the 100 mark (combined) twice in the last three years. As a middle linebacker in 2015, he recorded four sacks, which shows he can be used in a diverse manner and close to the line of scrimmage.
Given that’s quite some time ago, it’s fair to say he has lost a step or two. Injuries have also surely taken their toll, but he can be a capable defender given the opportunity. The Giants currently house Alec Ogletree, rookie Ryan Connelly, and the potential cut-candidate, BJ Goodson. Tae Davis is also sprinkled in there as a “Money-Backer,” a term coined by defensive coordinator, James Bettcher.
Adding a quality linebacker with experience could be a boost to the unit’s productivity in 2019; however, it all comes down to his price-tag.
Nonetheless–
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