Detroit Lions rookie running back Jahmyr Gibbs ran past New York Giants linebacker Bobby Okereke in joint practice. Could the Giants be calling in reinforcements?
The first preseason games for all 32 NFL teams are scheduled to take place this week. For some, joint practices are being held with their opponents before the big game. With that, it allows both to get some reps against the competition instead of their teammates.
On Tuesday, the Detroit Lions hosted the New York Giants for joint practice. During one-on-one drills, Lions rookie running back and first-round draft pick Jahmyr Gibbs had the opportunity to show what he can do in the open field. Matching up against Gibbs was Giants linebacker Bobby Okereke, whom the team signed to a four-year, $40 million contract this offseason.
The winner of the matchup? Gibbs and it wasn't even close. Gibbs got past Okereke so easily, that the linebacker was completely out of frame at one point.
Could the Giants be looking for linebacker reinforcements after Bobby Okereke goes viral during joint practice?
Are the Giants going to replace Okereke? Absolutely not! After all, the team signed him to a long-term contract to be their starting middle linebacker. The thing is, the Giants linebacking corps had been so maligned in recent years, that they could still use some more help.
Could a potential addition be on the horizon?
Free agent linebacker Anthony Barr told CBS Sports insider Josina Anderson that he's targeting the Giants for his next visit and that the two sides are working towards finalizing what day that will be held. This comes hours after reports indicated that the New Orleans Saints were going to sign him if he were to pass his physical. While he did pass, Barr wants to explore his options.
Anderson mentions that there is a link to Barr in New York, and that's the team's current defensive line coach Andre Patterson. From 2014 until 2021, Patterson had been with the Minnesota Vikings, the same timeframe as Barr.
Barr spent this past season with the Dallas Cowboys, the Giants' NFC East rival. In 14 games (10 starts), Barr recorded 58 combined tackles (35 solo, 23 assisted), four quarterback hits, two fumble recoveries, one sack, and one pass defended. In coverage, Barr allowed 20 receptions for 200 yards and zero touchdowns on 24 targets, per Pro Football Reference.
For the Giants, they do need to secure some depth at the inside linebacker position. They already lost Jarrad Davis for the season due to knee surgery. Darrian Beavers is returning from a torn ACL suffered after a promising preseason last year. While Barr is no longer playing as he did during his prime, he provides a veteran presence that is much needed in the Giants' linebacker room. Now, we wait and see if Barr and the Giants can set up a date for a visit and if the two sides can agree to terms on a deal.