Four years after entering the NFL as an undrafted rookie, Bryce Huff is entering free agency for the first time. As it stands, the New York Giants make sense for the edge with a projected contract of $36.8 million for next season.
During the previous campaign, the Giants ranked 30th out of 32 teams when it came to offense and 26th in defense. Add injuries to key players, such as Daniel Jones’ torn ACL in a Week 9 loss to the Las Vegas Raiders, and New York finished with a disappointing 6-11 record in the NFC East division.
New York Giants, Daniel Jones
Dec 31, 2023; East Rutherford, New Jersey, USA; New York Giants injured quarterback Daniel Jones (8) watches warm ups before a game against the Los Angeles Rams at MetLife Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports
That’s why improving their offense is one of the most important steps the Giants must take in the offseason. Apart from solidifying the quarterback position, New York must also reinforce its lineup along the way.
In this regard, the Giants have several names to consider in free agency. Among these is the New York Jets’ Bryce Huff, one of his team’s most promising players to have come out in recent years.
Why The New York Giants Must Consider Bryce Huff In Free Agency
New York Giants, Bryce Huff, New York Jets
Memphis’ Bryce Huff (4) sacks Cincinnati quarterback Ben Bryant (6) forcing a fumble Friday, Nov. 29, 2019, during a game at Liberty Bowl Memorial Stadium in Memphis. Cincinnati recovered the ball. Memphis won 34-24, clinching the AAC West championship.
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In his first foray into free agency, Huff is expected to make more than $30 million next season. Aaron Schatz explains why the Giants must steal the edge from the Jets in his article for ESPN:
“The Giants ranked 11th in pass rush win rate last season (44.5%), so a new edge rusher is not a glaring need. Still, they could fit in an upgrade for the spot across from Kayvon Thibodeaux. Why not steal from the rival Jets?
Huff has started only seven games in his career but is a bit of a secret superstar with a 21.4% pass rush win rate off the edge last season (ranked eighth) and a 30.7% pass rush win rate off the edge in 2022. With players such as Azeez Ojulari and Boogie Basham also under contract, the Giants can up Huff’s snap count a bit without the risk of him fading from playing too much,” Schatz wrote.
In the event New York is successful in signing Huff, they can give him the chance to take his game to the next level. This opportunity also comes without even taking away from the Giants’ current lineup of guys for next season.
New York Giants, Bryce Huff, New York Jets
Aug 31, 2019; Memphis, TN, USA; Memphis Tigers defensive end Bryce Huff (55) celebrates after sacking Mississippi Rebels quarterback Matt Corral (2) for a safety during the second half at Liberty Bowl Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Justin Ford-USA TODAY Sports
Getting this done can be a good move for New York in the coming weeks. With Huff performing well during his last few years with the Jets, there’s no reason why the Giants shouldn’t snag the edge from them.
New York Giants, Daniel Jones
Oct 8, 2023; Miami Gardens, Florida, USA; New York Giants quarterback Daniel Jones (8) attempts a pass agianst the Miami Dolphins during the first half at Hard Rock Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jasen Vinlove-USA TODAY Sports