Ryan Anderson to join New York Giants

Former Washington linebacker Ryan Anderson plans to sign a one-year deal with the New York Giants, according to a report. 

Anderson stays in the NFC East, but lands on a team that runs a 3-4 defense that will allow him to play outside linebacker. The 26-year-old struggled to see the field last year upon Washington’s switch to a 4-3 scheme under defensive coordinator Jack Del Rio, playing just 145 snaps (13.88%). He was used as a rotational pass rusher, lining up as a defensive end. 

Anderson spent four seasons with Washington after he was drafted out of Alabama in 2017. The former second-rounder recorded just six sacks, most of which came in 2019 when he had a career-high four. Anderson was part of Washington’s pass rotation, filling in for Preston Smith, Montez Sweat and Ryan Kerrigan on occasion. 

With the Giants, Anderson joins a team that has a stout defense and has been aggressive in free agency. The Giants re-signed defensive end Leonard Williams to a long-term extension, while paying big money to wideout Kenny Golladay and cornerback Adoree’ Jackson.

According to ESPN, which first reported the deal, Anderson received $137,500 guaranteed as a signing bonus and will make the league minimum worth $990,000.