The New York Giants just made a move that could make a big difference for the team.
The New York Giants lost superstar edge rusher Brian Burns for the season due to a devastating knee injury last week, the latest blow in what has been a very tumultuous first three weeks for the Giants.
Burns himself isn't replaceable. He is one of the most dominant pass rushers in football and he means everything to New York's defense. But, the Giants do have a couple of very capable other edge rushers in Abdul Carter and Kayvon Thibodeaux, and this week, they made a sleeper addition that is flying under the radar: Jihad Ward.
Ward was a fan favorite in New York back in 2022 and 2023 when he had the best stretch of his career, totaling 67 tackles and eight sacks across two seasons.
Last year, he played every game for the Tennessee Titans, registering 31 tackles, five sacks and an impressive 22 quarterback hits.
And who was the Titans' defensive coordinator last season? Yes: current Giants defensive coordinator Dennard Wilson.
Wilson made it clear that he thinks New York will find a role for Ward, which should not come as a surprise given how much Wilson utilized him in Tennessee last year.
Ward brings versatility to the table, too. He can line up on the edge. He can put his hand in the dirt. He can stand up. And at 6-foot-5, 285 pounds, he can play on the interior.
Is he Burns? No, but he is effective enough to make an impact, and he thrived in the New York spotlight during his first go-around.
Ward is a few years older now at 32, but again, he displayed that he can absolutely still have a significant role last season.
The Giants have a very easy schedule coming up. They will face the Arizona Cardinals at home this Sunday followed by a road matchup against the Washington Commanders. New York will then host the New Orleans Saints in Week 6 before heading back on the road to take on the winless Houston Texans on Oct. 25.
Given how rough the rest of the NFC East looks, the Giants might actually have a shot here, and while Ward is no star, his arrival could provide New York with a major boost in the absence of Burns.
Of course, it's really on Carter and Thibodeaux to step up more than anything else, but Ward's versatility — plus his veteran presence — should be of big help to Big Blue.
