The Giants just made a seriously quick move to shore up their outside linebacker depth, bringing back Jihad Ward after Brian Burns went down with a season-ending knee injury. Seriously, Ward was already out there on the practice field Thursday, confirming all those rumors that he was heading back to the Big Apple. When a talent like Burns is out for the year, you gotta react, and the Giants didn’t waste any time.
Ward’s Wild Ride: A Tour of the League, Back to Where He’s Known
This guy’s been around, for sure. Ward had only just signed with the Vikings in early September, and he didn’t even get into a single game for them before the Giants scooped him up. This is actually Ward’s second go-round with the Giants, which tells you they know what they’re getting. Fun fact, it’s also his second stint playing for John Harbaugh. He balled out a bit for the Ravens in 2019 and 2020, snagging four sacks in 21 games. Then he moved on to the Giants, where he actually put up better numbers with eight sacks over 34 games in 2022 and 2023. Before all that, he bounced around with the Titans, Jaguars, and Colts after the Raiders picked him in the second round back in 2016. Talk about a journeyman!
What Ward Brings When The Chips Are Down
So, why Ward now? It’s all about that massive hole left by Brian Burns. You don’t just replace a player of that caliber, but you absolutely have to try to mitigate the damage. Ward’s previous run with the Giants, where he put up those eight sacks in 34 games, shows he knows the system and can contribute. He’s not a superstar, but he’s a veteran who can provide immediate depth and likely some pass-rush capability. Getting a guy who’s already been on your field and produced, especially one who was literally just on a practice squad, is a smart, low-risk move when you’re suddenly staring down a season without a key player.
Giants fans have to be hoping that Ward can quickly get up to speed and provide a much-needed spark to that outside linebacker corps. It’s a tough situation losing Burns, but bringing in a familiar face who’s already hit the ground running is the best you can ask for in this sudden scramble for talent.
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by Pro Football Talk.
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