Pending UFA OL Justin Pugh Wants to Remain with Giants

The New York Giants' offensive line was the source of many problems for the Giants this season. A significant portion of their disappointing 6-11 season can be traced back to their offensive line's injuries and poor play. After allowing the second-most sacks in a season in the history of the National Football League, the Giants are expected to make sweeping changes to their offensive line.

While many changes are expected, Justin Pugh, who in 2023 signed with New York "straight off the couch," hopes he can remain with the team that drafted him in the first round of the 2013 NFL Draft.

“I love New York. I want to be back in New York," Pugh told the New York Daily News. "But if they have no ‘want’ to have me back on the team, I obviously can’t just wait around like I’m at the prom with no date. You want someone to dance with.”

Pugh spent the first six years of his career with the Giants before signing with Arizona in 2018 as a free agent. He played five seasons with the Cardinals, battling injuries, before finding his way back to New York five weeks into last season. He helped settle down a Giants offensive line that was ripped apart due to injuries.

Pugh, who hosts the NetWorth podcast, believes the Giants should also look to add to their formidable defensive line.

“Getting a guy to pair with Dexter [Lawrence] and [Kayvon] Thibodeaux that is a closer, a certified threat," Pugh said when asked what else the Giants need. "I would spend the most money on that position. Go get a guy who’s done it before at a high level. You look at Josh Allen, the defensive end from the Jaguars. I know he’s a free agent. I think you build from the D-line."

Pugh pointed out that games are won and lost in the trenches.

“If I was putting a priority on positions in the NFL, quarterback clearly is one, defensive line is two. And I would have eight of ’em. That’s how the Giants won all their Super Bowls," he said.

"They had the best defensive line in football. That should be the top free agent priority for the Giants, to get another edge rusher. You need to have a guy that makes offenses lose sleep on Monday or Tuesday when you’re getting ready to play them.”