DeMarcus Walker Visits Giants, Lions

The marketplace for DeMarcus Walker is outwardly heating up. ESPN’s Peter Schrager reported yesterday that the veteran move rusher was assembly with the Giants. ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler added on to the report this afternoon, noting that Walker met with the Lions final week.

A former second-round decide, Walker has remodeled from a rotational contributor to a starter later in his profession. He spent his first 4 seasons in Denver, accumulating 10.5 sacks in 36 video games. Following a one-season cease in Houston, Walker had his most efficient season with the Titans in 2022, compiling a career-high seven sacks and 10 tackles for loss.

That efficiency earned him a three-year contract from the Bears, and he proceeded to begin 29 of his 34 appearances for Chicago between 2023 and 2024. Over that span, he collected one other seven sacks, and he completed the 2024 marketing campaign with a career-high 47 tackles. The Bears moved on from the veteran again in February, saving the group $5.25MM towards the cap vs. slightly below $700k in lifeless cash.

Even when the 30-year-old reverts right into a backup function, he may nonetheless be a helpful piece for groups in search of pass-rush assist. In New York, Walker would reunite with defensive coordinator Shane Bowen, who was in the identical function in Tennessee through the participant’s greatest season. Brian Burns and Kayvon Thibodeaux lead the Giants’ pass-rush efforts, and the group may additional fortify their corps by touchdown Abdul Carter within the draft, however there may nonetheless be some taking part in time obtainable for Walker.

The Lions ought to have extra assistance on the sting than they did in 2024. Aidan Hutchinson will return from his injury-shortened marketing campaign, and the crew may also carry again Josh Paschal and Al-Quadin Muhammad, who each received lengthy seems to be final yr. Plus, whereas the crew lower Za’Darius Smith in a cap-saving transfer, they’ve been involved with the veteran a couple of new deal. There may nonetheless be a task behind all 4 of these aforementioned gamers, albeit restricted.