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The New York Giants signed a productive edge-rusher after changing Chauncey Golston’s role.
They already have one of the most-talented contingents of edge-rushers in the NFL, but the New York Giants aren’t done adding to the position after re-designating the role for a prominent addition in free agency, former Dallas Cowboys edge Chauncey Golston.
Another reshuffle is good news for undrafted rookie Trace Ford, who has been re-signed to the practice squad on Wednesday, August 27, one day after being cut, per ESPN’s Jordan Raanan.
Raanan’s reference to Ford’s strong preseason makes his return, even to the practice squad, an intriguing move for the Giants. Ford led Big Blue “in preseason pressures,” per the Giants Nation Show.
That production made stashing Ford worth it for the Giants. It also made sense of where Golston appeared on the final 53-man roster. He arrived in free agency before the Giants used the third pick in this year’s draft to select Abdul Carter.
The latter has joined Brian Burns and Kayvon Thibodeaux at outside linebacker, leaving Golston’s role somewhat uncertain. An element of clarity was added when the Giants listed Golston among the defensive line rotation on their updated roster.
As Dan Duggan of The Athletic put it, “Golston being listed with the DL is a changeup. Having good depth at a position feels foreign with the state of the roster recently but don’t see much of a role for him. Again, that’s fine, he can step into a number of roles if there’s an injury.”
New plans for Golston are needed to take advantage of his versatility, but the Giants still needed another true edge-rusher in reserve.
Trace Ford Move Makes Sense for Giants
Bringing Ford back answers that need, and while he may struggle to get off the practice squad, the 24-year-old has the core skills to fit what the Giants are doing defensively. Theirs is a scheme based on winning up front with a platoon of relentless edge-rushers who attack the pass-pocket in waves.
Ford showed off his promise as a pass-rusher with some impressive reps during the 42-10 win over the New England Patriots in Week 3 of the preseason. His best plays were highlighted by Nick Falato of SB Nation’s Big Blue View.
Having Ford around in case of emergencies will keep the Giants covered at the edges of their front seven. It will also free Golston to focus on spending more time along the line.
New Role Can Work for Chauncey Golston
He was supposed to be a secret star among high-profile edge-rushers, but Golston can still make a new role as a D-lineman work. He’s got the right frame at 6-foot-5 and 277 pounds, although Golston could bulk up to handle occupying blockers in running situations.
What’s more likely is the 27-year-old gets extended work as an interior disruptor as part of four-man fronts. This would fit how Golston has found a good share of his success in the pros.
It’s also how things worked during preseason, like when Golston (57) and Carter successfully ran “a T/E twist” against the Pats, per Falato.
A pressure concept like this is still Golston’s best chance to get onto the field with Carter, Burns or Thibodeaux. Putting all four into the lineup together looks like a luxury for defensive coordinator Shane Bowen, but the play-caller is sure to mix and match personnel and move his pass-rushers around.
If he can prove stout enough in a three-point stance on early downs, Golston will also extend his playing time.
James Dudko covers the New York Giants, Washington Commanders, New England Patriots and Baltimore Ravens for Heavy.com. He has covered the NFL and world soccer since 2011, with bylines at FanSided, Prime Time Sports Talk and Bleacher Report before joining Heavy in 2021. More about James Dudko
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