Jihad

Ward

The veteran pass-rusher is coming off a solid season that saw him total a career-high five sacks plus five TFLs and one forced fumble. He appeared in all 17 games for the Giants, nine of which were listed as starts. After signing pass-rushers Jonathan Greenard and Andrew Van Ginkel this offseason, the Vikings are likely bringing Ward in as a backup. He will mix in as a rotational EDGE defender for his age-30 season.

A savant to the scheme of Wink Martindale, Ward came over last year and provided vet leadership and a career-high three sacks in 11 starts. He’ll be a rotational defensive lineman once again for the Giants in 2023.

Ward spent 2021 in Jacksonville, after playing for the Ravens in 2020. He totaled just three sacks in 17 games, with five hits and nine hurries. Entering his age-28 season, the former second-round pick will offer pass-rushing depth in New York.

Ward will join former Baltimore defensive line coach Joe Cullen, who is now Jacksonville’s defensive coordinator. Ward was graded by Pro Football Focus as 2020’s 52nd best defensive lineman. The Jags had one of the league’s most ineffective pass rushes last season.

This was expected but is now official. Ward showed well in 11 games with the Ravens after getting waived from the Colts in October. He’ll return in a hybrid end/linebacker role.

Ward played 11 games with the Ravens as a backup in 2019 after leaving the Colts. Previously he was with the Raiders from 2016-2017. Ward provides stable depth as a proven veteran, although expectations should be tempered. He has five sacks in 41 career games.

Ward played just under 40 percent of snaps in 11 games after getting waived from the Colts. The Ravens like Ward’s fit as a hybrid end/linebacker and want to bring him back. Re-signing Ward shouldn’t take much guaranteed money.

Ward has undergone two surgeries to his left foot over the past three seasons and also had a knee operation in 2016. Even when healthy, he hasn’t been effective. He’ll compete to rotate with David Irving, Maliek Collins, and Richard Ash on Dallas’ interior line.

“He’s probably a little quicker than I anticipated,” coach Jack Del Rio said. “He’s natural when it comes to finding the quarterback. That’s been a pleasant surprise.” Ward has practiced fully despite pre-draft concerns over his knee. He’s expected to see regular snaps in Oakland’s defensive line rotation.

He also earned praise from coach Jack Del Rio, who said Ward was “a little quicker” than he anticipated. Ward probably will not beat out Mario Edwards Jr. or Denico Autry for a starting job at end, but he should be an important part of the defensive line rotation as a rookie.