The New York Giants’ defensive line depth outside Dexter Lawrence II is concerning. Rakeem Nunez-Roches, a projected starter, is an elite run-stopper but isn’t known for his pass-rush abilities. Nunez-Roches is not an every-down defensive lineman and has yet to eclipse over 50% of defensive snaps in a single season during his career. They traded a veteran away.
The New York Giants traded a veteran to a division rival
The Giants traded Jordan Phillips and a 2026 seventh-round pick to the Cowboys for a 2026 sixth-round pick last Wednesday. New York signed Phillips to a one-year deal in April. He competed for the final starting spot this spring and summer.
Phillips wasn’t the only lineman they parted ways with.
The New York Giants suddenly waived their projected starter
According to Art Stapleton, the Giants waived Ryder Anderson with an injury designation. If he clears waivers, he will revert to injured reserve. Anderson suffered a hamstring injury in Saturday’s preseason game against the Texans. He emerged as the favorite to start as their third defensive lineman in their base defensive, receiving first-team reps with the first-team defense throughout camp.
NFL fans react to the news
Who will replace him?
It’s unclear which player will replace him, but the Giants have a few options.
The first option is an in-house candidate. One in-house candidate who could replace Ryder Anderson is Elijah Chatman. Chatman is an undrafted rookie who played college football for the SMU Mustangs. Ourlads has him listed as the starter in their depth chart.
The second option is to acquire a player in free agency, via trade, or during the waiver wire once teams trim their roster from 90 to 53 players. Notable free agents include Lawrence Guy, Linval Joseph, and Hassan Ridgeway.
