It looks like this pass-rusher is gaining a market as the New York Giants brought in Demarcus Walker for a visit this week. According to reports, the Giants weren’t the only team Walker visited as he came in contact with the Detroit Lions, so he has options on the table if there is interest. Originally selected in the second round of the 2017 NFL Draft, the former Florida State product began his career with the Denver Broncos, attempting to establish himself as a reliable edge rusher, but things didn’t pan out after he suffered injuries. Walker became a journeyman between the Houston Texans and the Tennessee Titans, but he finally showed signs of life during his last season with the Titans in 2022.
After posting 32 tackles, including 10 for a loss and seven sacks, it was enough for the Chicago Bears to offer him a three-year deal worth $21 million. He went to appear in 29 of 34 games over two years while compiling a high total of 47 tackles in 2024. However, the team is building a new regime and they needed to save cap, so the team let him go this offseason along with tight end Gerald Everett at the same time. Walker has an opportunity to start fresh elsewhere, as he should be receiving interest from other teams.
He isn’t the biggest star on the market and won’t be a full-time starter come Week one, but these two contenders could give him a worthy opportunity that Walker can’t turn down.
Ravens, Chargers Could Intervene in Giants Free Agent Demarcus Walker Visit
More Edge Help
While the Baltimore Ravens have one of the most gifted offenses with Lamar Jackson and Derrick Henry, the defense has been slowly diminishing. After losing Jadeveon Clowney last off-season, it’s safe to assume the defensive pass-rushing unit hasn’t been the same. The Ravens won’t lose anything if the team decides to sign Walker, as he will likely be open to join if it means having a chance for a championship. As of this posting, Broderick Washington and Travis Jones won’t be increasing the Ravens’ chances to a Super Bowl, but they still have a lot of above-average talent.
This includes the three edge defenders like Kyle Van Noy, Odafe Oweh and Nmamdi Madubuike. Walker might not get the spotlight in Baltimore, but he doesn’t need it. He is a high-level pass rusher and all he needs is a reset in the league and there’s no better option than the Ravens.
Jim in the Trenches
The same can be said about the Los Angeles Chargers, who will look dramatically different this upcoming 2025 season. After losing Poona Ford, the Chargers have yet to find a capable replacement, despite him putting on one of the most explosive seasons last year. It says a lot about Jim Harbaugh’s priorities that they haven’t found one, even though they have one of the best cap spaces. Da’Shawn Hand isn’t getting over five sacks, so the team should sign Walker, even at a bargain.
Khalil Mack will return, but no one should expect him to put up high numbers this year if they don’t get another explosive defender. Walker is nothing elite, but he’s better than what the Chargers have.
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