Coordinator Shane Bowen’s defense will likely be predicated on a dynamic crop of pass rushers wreaking havoc in opposing backfields, but even with All-Pro Dexter Lawrence up front, the New York Giants‘ linebackers have left much to be desired in recent years.
This offseason, the Giants signed veterans Victor Dimukeje, Demetrius Flannigan-Fowles, and brought back Chris Board, but if New York is looking to turn a weakness on defense into a potential strength, there’s a proven veteran available in free agency who could significantly elevate this group.
Kyzir White, 29, is one of the top remaining free agents and is fresh off a 137-tackle 2024 campaign with one interception, and a career-high 2.5 sacks for the Arizona Cardinals, where he reunited with former Philadelphia Eagles defensive coordinator Jonathan Gannon after the duo made a Super Bowl appearance together back in 2022.
According to ESPN’s Matt Bowen, White is the No. 13 ranked remaining free agent and the top linebacker available.
“White is an off-ball linebacker with run-and-hit traits,” Bowen writes of White. “And he had nine tackles for loss and 2.5 sacks last season. He has the pursuit speed to track the ball on the edges, and he has six interceptions, along with 16 pass breakups, in his career. White can be a three-down player for his new team.”
Through his first seven seasons for the Chargers, Philadelphia Eagles, and Cardinals, White has amassed 615 total tackles with 7.5 sacks, and six interceptions.
Ahead of the 2025 season, Pro Football Focus lists the Giants’ linebacking corps as the No. 19 ranked unit in the league, so infusing a veteran presence such as White with his propensity for always being around the football could be a significant upgrade for the defense.
How Kyzir White Would Fit the New York Giants
Christian Petersen | GettyKyzir White could be an ideal veteran addition for the Giants before the 2025 season kicks off.
Adding White would create competition with Micah McFadden, alongside Bobby Okereke for a starting job in the middle of the Giants’ defense.
McFadden, in 14 games last season, posted 107 total tackles with three sacks, one forced fumble, one fumble recovery, and one pass breakup while navigating groin, neck, and heel injuries throughout the 2024 campaign.
White, would add —at least according to Pro Football Focus, a top-50 run-stopping linebacker who has pass rush upside. PFF points out that only five linebackers across the league had more quarterback pressures than White’s 21.
Even if McFadden beats out White for a starting job, having a veteran off-ball linebacker with pass-rush upside as a depth piece in case either Okereke or McFadden suffer an injury or their production dips could be an asset for a Giants defense that is tasked with facing Saquon Barkley twice each season.
Micah McFadden a Top Giants Priority
Tim Nwachukwu | Getty Re-Signing linebacker Micah McFadden is likely high on New York Giants GM Joe Schoen’s priority list.
As the 2025 season begins, McFadden is entering the final year of his rookie contract, which means the Giants may need to pay up to keep one of their ascending stars in the fold.
According to Bleacher Report’s Moe Moton, McFadden’s looming extension is the most important that the Giants must face.
“McFadden has become one of the league’s most promising young linebackers,” Moton writes for B/R. “Registering 267 tackles, 26 for loss, six sacks, six pass breakups and an interception. The Giants should be intrigued by his development and potential to be a long-term starter. Bobby Okereke, 28, has been a solid pickup from two years ago, but McFadden is the present and future at linebacker, and he’s going into the final year of his deal.”
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