It’s going to take more than one line-of-scrimmage addition to fix the NFL’s worst rushing defense.
After a slow start to free agency in that regard, the Giants finally addressed the trenches Monday by signing defensive tackle Sam Roberts to a one-year contract, The Post confirmed.
Roberts, 27, is a former sixth-round pick of the Patriots who also spent time with the Bears, Panthers and Falcons (20 career games).
Roberts registered his first career sack last season during a five-game stint for the Falcons, after he was signed off of the Panthers practice squad. He finished the season on injured reserve (knee).
Defensive tackle is arguably the most glaring need for the Giants, who have not re-signed three-year starter Rakeem Nunez-Roches. There will be other veteran additions on the interior before next month’s draft.
Three-time Pro Bowler Dexter Lawrence is coming off a subpar season and the Giants need to improve or Lawrence will face triple-teams on the interior. Darius Alexander, a 2025 third-round pick, is penciled in as the other starter.
The Giants allowed a league-worst 5.3 yards per carry last season. Rushing defense has been a steady major concern since they ranked No. 30 (4.7 yards per carry) in 2023.
Newly signed middle linebacker Tremaine Edmunds is expected to make his presence known in the run game.
The only other offseason move at defensive tackle so far was inking Marlon Tuipuloto to a futures contract in January, after he spent last season on the Chiefs practice squad.
