The New York Giants are bringing veteran edge defender Jihad Ward back to East Rutherford, N.J., per multiple reports. Ward is being signed off the Minnesota Vikings’ practice squad.
The Giants, of course, needed depth at the edge position after Brian Burns was lost for the season to a torn ACL.
The 32-year-old Ward is an 11-year veteran. He played for the Giants in 2022 and 2023, recording eight sacks over two seasons.
Ward, 6-foot-5, 285 pounds, spent last season with the Tennessee Titans, where current
Giants defensive coordinator Dennard Wilson was in that role for Tennessee. Ward had five sacks, tying the career-high he set with the Giants in 2023.
Ward is also familiar with Giants head coach John Harbaugh. He played for Harbaugh with the Ravens in 2019 and 2020.
Ward has played in 136 regular-season game, starting 49. He had 24 career sacks.
The Giants terminated the contract of veteran defensive tackle Josh Tupou to make room for Ward. Tupou played in one game for the Giants this season, and could land back on the practice squad.
