JUST IN: Giants add two experienced depth pieces to the defense

The New York Giants are continuing to refine their defense during free agency. While high-profile signings like Jevon Holland and Paulson Adebo made headlines, general manager Joe Schoen is still focused on adding depth throughout the roster. His latest additions include defensive lineman Jeremiah Ledbetter and linebacker Demetrius Flannigan-Fowles. While neither player is expected to make a significant impact, they bring valuable experience to a Giants defense that struggled in 2024. After ranking in the bottom third of the league in rush defense and special teams performance, these signings are aimed at strengthening the areas that caused issues last season.

Both Ledbetter and Flannigan-Fowles align with the Giants’ recent focus on versatility. Ledbetter is capable of playing both inside and outside on the defensive line, while Flannigan-Fowles, a proven special teams contributor, can also provide depth at linebacker.

Giants strengthen defensive depth with two experienced additions
Ledbetter (30) is coming off his best season with the Jacksonville Jaguars, where he played 15 games and recorded two sacks, eight tackles for loss, and 38 total tackles. Originally drafted in the sixth round by the Detroit Lions in 2017, he has had stints with Tampa Bay and Arizona before securing a role with Jacksonville over the past two years.
Standing at 6-foot-3 and 299 pounds, Ledbetter’s flexibility to play multiple positions along the defensive line makes him a valuable asset for defensive coordinator Shane Bowen. While he won’t be a regular starter, he provides the Giants with a dependable rotational player who can contribute when needed.

Flannigan-Fowles (28) spent the last five seasons with the San Francisco 49ers after joining as an undrafted free agent out of Arizona in 2019. He played in 73 games, starting seven, but made his most significant impact on special teams. Since 2020, Flannigan-Fowles has ranked among the top 20 in special teams tackles (37), finishing fifth in the league with 15 tackles in 2022.
Last season, he started a career-high three games and made his first career interception. While he won’t compete for a starting linebacker role in New York, he should be a key special teams player and may see occasional snaps behind Bobby Okereke and Micah McFadden.

These additions may not generate excitement among Giants fans hoping for big-name signings, but depth is vital in the NFL. Injuries are inevitable, and the Giants learned last year how a lack of quality backups can derail a season. These moves may not define New York’s offseason, but they could prove valuable as the season progresses.