New York Giants general manager Joe Schoen made it clear entering free agency that the team was seeking depth along the interior of their defensive line.
After a season in which Dexter Lawrence and Leonard Williams took entirely too many snaps, additional bodies were necessary. And on Day 1 of the NFL’s legal tampering period, the otherwise quiet Giants address that need.
NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero reports that the Giants have agreed to terms with veteran defensive tackle Rakeem Nunez-Roches.
The #Giants agreed to terms with veteran DT Rakeem Nunez-Roches, per sources.
— Tom Pelissero (@TomPelissero) March 13, 2023
The 29-year-old Nunez-Roches was originally a sixth-round pick of the Kansas City Chiefs in the 2015 NFL draft. After three seasons in K.C., he was waived and promptly claimed by the Indianapolis Colts. But after just a quick cup of coffee, Nunez-Roches was again waived and later signed with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, where he’s played the past five seasons.
In 102 career games (38 starts), Nunez-Roches has recorded 132 tackles (69 solo, 14 for a loss), one forced fumble, 12 QB hits, and 3.5 sacks. He earned a 56.2 overall grade from Pro Football Focus last season, including a 58.5 run defense grade and 53.4 pass rush grade.
Despite the PFF grades, Nunez-Roches is viewed as stout against the run. He’s also a notorious trash talker who is loved by his teammates and respected in the locker room. He gives 110 percent and never takes a play off.
