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–
Paul Schwartz (NY POST) – Cowboys are fearing the worst watching Giants’ Daniel Jones
Ed Valentine (Big Blue View) – What should the Giants do with Sam Beal?
John Fennelly (Giants Wire) – Corey Ballentine’s gunshot wound was ‘worse than what people thought’
Jordan Raanan (ESPN) – Giants’ 53-man roster projection includes Rod Smith, Kyle Lauletta
Alexander Wilson (Empire Sports Media) – New York Giants: Surprise undrafted defender could replace BJ Goodson
This post was published on 2019-08-29 07:15