July 23, 2018
According to Jordan Raanan of ESPN, former Philadelphia Eagles edge rusher Connor Barwin is expected to sign with the New York Giants.
The Giants are expected to sign veteran outside linebacker Connor Barwin, per source. Adds much-needed depth at the position and a quality veteran presence. Also has a strong relationship with LB coach Bill McGovern from their time together in Philadelphia.
— Jordan Raanan (@JordanRaanan) July 23, 2018
Barwin himself confirmed the report:
I’m excited to announce I’ve agreed to terms with the New York Football Giants. Let’s go G-Men! #GiantsPride
— Connor Barwin (@ConnorBarwin98) July 23, 2018
Throughout the Chip Kelly era, Barwin was one of the most valuable members in Billy Davis' 3-4 defense because of his versatility. Barwin could cover, rush the passer, and play the run, but was not a dominant player when doing any of those things.
In his first three seasons with the team, Barwin posted very good numbers overall. However, in Jim Schwartz's scheme, Barwin was asked to beat left tackles mano-e-mano, which was not his strength. Here were Barwin's numbers in his four years with the Eagles:
| Connor Barwin | Tackles | Sacks | FF | Pass breakups / batted passes |
| 2013 | 59 | 5 | 1 | 10 |
| 2014 | 64 | 14.5 | 2 | 5 |
| 2015 | 54 | 7 | 1 | 7 |
| 2016 | 34 | 5 | 1 | 2 |
Playing in a defensive scheme that has historically been very stat-friendly for defensive ends, Barwin posted the worst numbers of his Eagles career in 2016, across the board. Though he was a good person off the field, releasing him to save $7,750,000 in cap space during the 2017 offseason was a no-brainer decision.
In Barwin's next stop in Los Angeles with the Rams, in what seemed like a good match, he played in a 3-4 scheme under Wade Phillips, appearing in 14 games and starting 13. He had 34 tackles and 5 sacks.
In New York, Barwin will join a team transitioning to a 3-4 defense that is in desperate need for more edge players.
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