For the New York Giants to have a chance to return to the playoffs next year, they must be able to strengthen their defense, which was ranked 27th overall after conceding an average of 361.7 defensive yards per game and 48 touchdowns during the regular season.
One key area to improve on is their pass rush. Yes, they have a good piece in Kayvon Thibodeaux, but pairing him up with another top-notch defender would certainly help them a ton, and PFF’s Brad Spielberger has an interesting idea.
Leonard Floyd is set to hit free agency this summer after spending one season in Buffalo. However, the Buffalo Bills will find it difficult to retain him since they are currently over the 2024 cap by roughly $41 million.
“The Giants need to add several pieces on the edge for new defensive coordinator Shane Bowen, and there is a connection here with general manager Joe Schoen formerly working with the Buffalo Bills,” wrote Spielberger.
Why Leonard Floyd could fit in well with the New York Giants
After spending his first seven seasons in Chicago and Los Angeles, Leonard Floyd ended up in Buffalo, where he had to prove his worth after signing a one-year deal with the Buffalo Bills.
And prove himself he did, as he had a solid campaign for Buffalo, recording 32 combined tackles (21 solo), 10.5 sacks, one forced fumble, and one pass defended in the 2023 regular season. He also became the first Buffalo Bills pass-rusher since Lorenzo Alexander in 2016 to record double-digit sacks.
Kayvon Thibodeaux figures to be the main beneficiary of the team possibly adding Floyd. He played alongside the likes of Jihad Ward, Boogie Basham, and Azeez Ojulari last season, but none of them compare to someone of Leonard Floyd’s caliber.
Can the New York Giants afford to sign Leonard Floyd?
Leonard Floyd could be open to returning to the Buffalo Bills, but he has made it clear that he will always “go where the money goes” and the New York Giants can give him just that.
According to Spotrac, Floyd should be able to command an average annual salary of $8.1 million, which is well within the $35 million cap room that the New York Giants currently have.