Six-year veteran played for defensive line coach Andre Patterson in Minnesota
The New York Giants hosted veteran defensive lineman Armon Watts for a workout on Monday, per a published report.
Watts is a six-year veteran. After signing Watts to a one-year deal during the offseason, the New England Patriots placed him on IR at the end of the preseason with an unspecified injury. They then waived the 28-year-old with an injury settlement.
What might taking a look at Watts mean for the Giants?
It is important to note that Watts was a 2019 sixth-round pick by the Minnesota Vikings, where current Giants defensive line coach Andre Patterson was employed at the time. Watts spent three seasons playing for Patterson.
Watts had the best season of his career playing for Patterson and the Vikings in 2021. He made nine starts that season, compiling career-highs in sacks (5.0), tackles (46), and quarterback hits (10).
Like he has with so many others, Patterson had an impact on Watts.
After leaving Minnesota, Watts started 12 games for the Chicago Bears in 2022 and played in 15 games for the Pittsburgh Steelers last season.
The Giants might view Watts as a potential upgrade to their defensive line depth. Jordon Riley, a 2023 seventh-round pick, has played just 19 defensive snaps over the course of the first six games.
The defensive linemen on the team’s practice squad are defensive end Elijah Riley, who has two years of experience, and undrafted rookie defensive tackle Casey Rogers.
