Giants Eyeing 70.5-Sack Pro Bowler to Replace Star Pass-Rusher Brian Burns

The New York Giants are reportedly set to host former Pro Bowl defensive end Yannick Ngakoue for a workout on Monday, as they attempt to bolster their pass rush following the season-ending injuries to quarterback Jaxson Dart and star edge-rusher Brian Burns. According to NFL insider Jordan Schultz, the Giants may acquire the 31-year-old Ngakoue, who has amassed a total of 70.5 career sacks throughout his 10-year NFL career.

Ngakoue, who missed last season recovering from injuries, including a pedal ankle ailment that impacted him during the 2023 season, is now fully healthy and ready to rejoin the NFL. A Pro Bowler who led the league in forced fumbles (six) in 2017, Ngakoue was once considered one of the most feared pass rushers in the NFL. During his tenure, he recorded 439 pressures, 274 hurries, 237 tackles, 90 QB hits, 72 tackles for loss, 70.5 sacks, 21 forced fumbles, and three fumble recoveries.

Seven times, Ngakoue posted eight or more sacks, including a career-high 12 in his sole Pro Bowl season.

While Abdul Carter currently leads the Giants in all major pass-rushing categories with 16 pressures, 10 hurries, four QB hits, and one sack, other defensive linemen such as Kayvon Thibodeaux and Arvell Reese have struggled to generate consistent pressure through the first five games of the season. Adding a player of Ngakoue's caliber could significantly improve the Giants' defensive line and provide much-needed relief to their pass rush in the absence of Burns.