Shaquil Barrett: New York Giants
Hidden behind other Broncos edge-rushers through his first five years in the NFL, Barrett went oddly unwanted through the 2019 free-agency process. The Bucs eventually signed him to a one-year, $4 million contract, which turned out to be an amazing bargain.
Barrett led the NFL in sacks with 19.5 and finished tied for fourth among all edge-rushers with 81 total pressures.
Those who dismiss him as a one-year wonder should turn on the tape. Barrett turns it loose against enemy tackles with a frightening burst off the snap and impressive speed to and through the pocket. Even when stonewalled at the point of attack, he’s great at disengaging and using counters and movement to disrupt. He also has a nasty spin move that’s very difficult to plan against.
Enter the Giants, with $78,435,117 in current cap space and a desperate need for edge pressure. Even if the Giants re-sign free agent Markus Golden, who led the team with 64 total pressures in 2019, the need for a bookend is obvious. Barrett would provide that, and the Giants have the money to get it done.