The market for DeMarcus Walker is apparently heating up. ESPN’s Peter Schrager reported yesterday that the veteran pass rusher was meeting with the Giants. ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler added on to the report this afternoon, noting that Walker met with the Lions last week.
A former second-round pick, Walker has transformed from a rotational contributor to a starter later in his career. He spent his first four seasons in Denver, collecting 10.5 sacks in 36 games. Following a one-season stop in Houston, Walker had his most productive season with the Titans in 2022, compiling a career-high seven sacks and 10 tackles for loss.
That performance earned him a three-year contract from the Bears, and he proceeded to start 29 of his 34 appearances for Chicago between 2023 and 2024. Over that span, he collected another seven sacks, and he finished the 2024 campaign with a career-high 47 tackles. The Bears moved on from the veteran back in February, saving the organization $5.25MM against the cap vs. just under $700k in dead money.
Even if the 30-year-old reverts into a backup role, he could still be a useful piece for teams seeking pass-rush help. In New York, Walker would reunite with defensive coordinator Shane Bowen, who was in the same role in Tennessee during the player’s best season. Brian Burns and Kayvon Thibodeaux lead the Giants’ pass-rush efforts, and the organization could further fortify their corps by landing Abdul Carter in the draft, but there could still be some playing time available for Walker.
The Lions should have more help on the edge than they did in 2024. Aidan Hutchinson will return from his injury-shortened campaign, and the team will also bring back Josh Paschal and Al-Quadin Muhammad, who both got long looks last year. Plus, while the team cut Za’Darius Smith in a cap-saving move, they’ve been in contact with the veteran about a new deal. There could still be a role behind all four of those aforementioned players, albeit limited.
Veteran situational pass rushers can play a big role in turning around a young defense or adding that little bit extra to a contending team.
We’ve seen this time and time again. Leadership and the occasional big play can be huge in helping a team that is lacking one or both.
New York would make perfect sense but it’s also possible Detroit views him as a cheaper alternative to ZaDarius Smith.