The New York Giants’ pass-rush was an abomination leading up to the week 6 matchup against the Philadelphia Eagles, ranking last in the league with just seven total sacks. The return of outside linebacker Olivier Vernon presented a burst of ability on the defensive line, and despite a truly awful display by the entire team, Vernon had a solid game.
The Giants’ best pass-rusher recorded two total sacks, one sack, one tackle for a loss, and two QB hits. His first performance of the season was stellar, especially since he was facing off against Jason Peters, the Eagles’ Pro Bowl left tackle.
Vernon didn’t play 100% of snaps on defense, but he was out there for a solid chunk, until the game got away from the Giants going into the fourth quarter.
Here’s a pressing question that must be answered at the end of the season:
Should the Giants cut Vernon and allocate his cap-space towards other positions?
Vernon has been productive when on the field for the Giants, despite having a lower than expected sack margin. Exempting the current season, Vernon has only amassed 15 total sacks in two seasons, but has a solid 35 QB hits. Last season was a struggle for the edge rusher as he struggled with a wrist injury and a high ankle sprain. With the demise of the team, his production fell off significantly, but was still considered one of the better pass-rushers int he league.
Vernon will earn $15.25 million in 2019, but his contract has an out that would make him a free agent and count $8 million in dead cap. Cutting him would clear up $7.25 million in cap-space, which might not be worth it when considering his value when healthy.
Personally, I don’t think the saved cap would be able to compensate for the influence that he has on defense. As an outside linebacker it was expected that Vernon would be more successful, especially on a James Bettcher led defense. The bottom line, the Giants might be better off keeping him than sending him on his way next year.