The New York Giants have officially waived edge protector Carlos “Boogie” Basham as of Tuesday, a move reported by ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler. The Giants acquired Basham from the Buffalo Bills in late August 2023 in exchange for a late-round pick swap in the 2025 NFL Draft. Last season, Basham participated in 194 snaps, but this year he only managed to play 16 snaps, all during Week 6 against the Cincinnati Bengals. The team’s decision reflects their need for more effective performance from their edge rushers.

During his time with the Giants, Basham struggled significantly, failing to generate any pressures across 95 pass-rushing snaps. General Manager Joe Schoen, who was part of the Bills’ team that drafted Basham in the second round of the 2021 NFL Draft, finds himself in a challenging position as the Giants face injuries, particularly to Kayvon Thibodeaux. With Basham now available for signing by any team, including possibly returning to the Giants’ practice squad, it’s clear that the organization is looking for more reliable options on their roster.

In a strategic response to the gaps left by Basham’s departure, the Giants have signed veteran defensive tackle Armon Watts from their practice squad, promoting him to the 53-man roster. This move not only fills the vacancy but also adds depth to the defensive line, which is crucial for maintaining competitive performance in upcoming games.

Watts, who stands at an impressive 6-foot-5 and weighs 307 pounds, is entering his sixth season in the NFL. Recently added to the practice squad, he brings experience and physicality that could benefit the Giants as they navigate a challenging season. His presence on the field will be essential as the team works to bolster its defensive capabilities and overall roster strength.

After witnessing Saquon Barkley rush for an astounding 176 yards and the Philadelphia Eagles collectively run for 269 yards in their recent 28-3 victory, it’s evident that this move aims to fortify the Giants’ run defense. Currently, the Giants are ranked last in the league, allowing an alarming average of 5.4 yards per rushing attempt and 25th overall in rushing yards allowed per game, clocking in at 138.1. Strengthening the defensive line is critical for improving these statistics and ensuring better overall performance.

Watts previously spent three seasons with the Minnesota Vikings, where he benefited from the coaching of Andre Patterson, who is currently the Giants’ defensive line coach. This familiarity with the coaching staff could enable Watts to quickly integrate into the Giants’ system and make an immediate impact on the field.

The decision to part ways with Basham was anticipated, as he failed to establish a significant role within the team. He initially stepped in as the third pass rusher behind Brian Burns and Azeez Ojulari after Thibodeaux was placed on Injured Reserve due to a wrist injury. However, after playing just 16 snaps against the Bengals, he was inactive in the following week, indicating a lack of confidence in his performance.

Additionally, Basham has proven to be ineffective on special teams, having not participated in any special teams snaps this season. In light of this, the Giants opted to promote Tomon Fox from the practice squad, who, along with Patrick Johnson, will continue to play on special teams. This strategic shift demonstrates the team’s commitment to maintaining a competitive edge in all aspects of the game.

Fox made a notable impact during his appearance in the fourth quarter, registering two pressures and a sack in just 21 snaps. While Johnson played a total of 13 snaps, his performance did not match Fox’s effectiveness. The Giants appear to be leaning towards younger, more dynamic players like Fox, who have shown potential and enthusiasm, especially considering the lack of productivity from Basham this season.

Unsurprisingly, the Giants have chosen to sever ties with the former Buffalo Bills pass rusher. Basham struggled to find a consistent role under defensive coordinators Wink Martindale and Shane Bowen. However, the edge position remains tenuous with Thibodeaux sidelined and Burns dealing with a groin injury, which leaves the team in a precarious situation as they prepare for upcoming challenges.

Both Johnson and Fox may have the opportunity to earn first-team reps in practice alongside Ojulari, particularly if Burns continues to miss time. The vacancy created by Basham’s departure might also open doors for offensive tackle D.J. Humphries, who was brought in for workouts on Tuesday. This situation presents the Giants with a chance to reevaluate their roster and make strategic adjustments.

Ultimately, while there is the possibility for Basham to return to the Giants on their practice squad, his best interests may lie in exploring opportunities with a different team. The current roster dynamics suggest that a fresh start could be beneficial for his career moving forward.