Should the New York Giants claim MWC’s all-time sack leader?

Injuries are unfortunately a significant part of the NFL, as Miami Dolphins pass rusher Curtis Weaver recently experienced. As a fifth-round rookie out of Boise State, Weaver was waived after suffering a severe injury. This opens up the opportunity for teams like the New York Giants to transition him directly to their injured reserve.

Weaver is a high upside talent, considering he’s the MWC’s all-time sack leader. Teams are unfortunately disallowed from placing drafted-rookies on the injured reserve, and only if they clear the waiver wire are they able to do so. The Giants, who desperately need help rushing the passer, could add Weaver in hopes of finding hidden production 2021.

Who are the New York Giants currently working with?

Currently, the Giants are set to rely on players like Markis Golden, Kyler Fackrell, Lorenzo Carter, and Oshane Ximines. The only proven player is Golden, who posted double-digit sacks last year. Fackrell, who recorded 10.5 sacks in 2018, is a high motor athlete who can work his way to the quarterback. However, he was replaced by Zadarius and Preston Smith in 2019, suggesting that he is not the elite pass rusher some fans seem to think he is.

Nonetheless, the Giants took a new approach during the 2020 NFL draft. With four, seventh-round picks available, general manager Dave Gettleman and new head coach Joe Judge spent every single one. This suggests that they value late-round players and don’t want to pass on potentially striking gold on a talent. While the probability is low, Weaver is a fifth-round pick that was highly touted for his upside.

Ultimately, it couldn’t hurt to add Weaver in the hopes of him producing an impact in 2021. With Fackrell and Golden both on one-year contracts, the pass rush group will likely look different next year. Having some familiar faces and players to build off of is a necessity