The New York Giants have faced persistent challenges on the defensive line over the past few seasons, mainly due to injuries and a lack of reliable depth. Whenever one of their starters went down—particularly on the defensive front—the team struggled to adjust, exposing their thin rotation and lack of experienced backups.
That weakness became a consistent issue and one that likely contributed to their overall struggles on defense. Heading into the 2025 season, however, the Giants appear to have made meaningful strides to fix the problem.
This offseason, the Giants prioritized building both talent and depth along the defensive front. Their biggest move came in the NFL Draft when they used the third overall pick to select Abdul Carter, a versatile and explosive pass-rusher who can play both off the edge and inside.
Carter’s presence immediately upgrades the starting lineup. But beyond just the top-tier talent, the Giants made a smart move in free agency by signing former Dallas Cowboys defensive end Chauncey Golston to a three-year, \$18 million contract—an underrated acquisition that could pay off in a big way.
Golston, only 27, is coming off a breakout 2024 season in which he posted career-highs in nearly every major defensive category, including 5.5 sacks, 56 total tackles, five tackles for loss, and five pass deflections. He also appeared in all 17 games and made 13 starts—demonstrating both reliability and durability.
His track record is especially valuable for a team like the Giants, whose defensive starters—Kayvon Thibodeaux and Brian Burns—both missed time last season with injuries. Even Carter, their highly touted rookie, had injury issues during his final college campaign.
The signing of Golston gives the Giants crucial depth on the EDGE and serves as a buffer against potential injuries or unforeseen roster changes. It also helps offset the loss of Azeez Ojulari, a talented but injury-prone edge rusher who left in free agency.
Unlike Ojulari, Golston has proven to be dependable, having played in 15 or more games in each of his four NFL seasons. That kind of availability is exactly what the Giants need from a rotational piece, especially if they want to keep their defensive front fresh and competitive over a full season.
There has also been trade speculation around former first-round pick Kayvon Thibodeaux, and while the team seems committed to keeping him for now, adding Golston provides insurance if circumstances change down the line.
Whether Thibodeaux remains on the roster or not, Golston offers the kind of flexible, plug-and-play talent that the Giants have lacked in recent years.
In short, Chauncey Golston may not be a headline-making addition, but he could prove to be one of the more valuable signings of the Giants’ offseason.
His presence not only boosts the depth and resilience of the defensive line but also gives the team peace of mind heading into a season where durability and flexibility could be the keys to success.
