The New York Giants aren’t done adding to their defensive front seven in 2026 NFL free agency, with the team set to secure a one-year deal with a former sixth-round draft pick who’s a versatile defensive tackle described as “grown-man strong.”
Big Blue’s deal is with Sam Roberts, per NFL Network’s Mike Garafolo. The latter reported on Monday, March 23 how Roberts’ agent Ross Jones confirmed the move for his client, who is a “Former 6th-rd pick of the #Patriots appeared in five games and registered his first career sack with the #Falcons this past season after Atlanta signed him off the #Panthers’ practice said.”
Roberts may have appeared in only 20 games since entering the pros back in 2022, but he’s a former Division II standout at the collegiate level. The 27-year-old was credited by his head coach at Northwest Missouri State, Rich Wright, as being “grown man strong and, and when he was at the Hula Bowl… Sam showed up and all these D1 guys are like whatever, and he threw them around like rag dolls,” said Wright. “We had a tackle that was down there and he just said the tackle came back and he goes, ‘How the hell you block this kid?’ He goes, ‘Welcome to my world every day,'” per Patriots.com Writer Mike Dussault.
Sam Roberts Offers ‘Upside’ for Key Role
Wright didn’t just wax lyrical about Roberts’ play strength. The coach also told Dussault how Roberts possesses “a lot of natural snap,” as well as having “more upside than anybody I’ve ever had here.”
Translating that upside to success at the NFL level had been a challenge for Roberts. It’s why he’s bounced around somewhat, spending time with the Chicago Bears, Carolina Panthers and Atlanta Falcons.
Despite the erratic nature of his pro career to date, the 6-foot-5, 300-pounder still offers upside as a credible disruptor up front. Like when Roberts notched a tackle for loss and a sack as a member of the Falcons in 2025, per Talkin’ Giants.
A significant detail about both plays was how Roberts made them from the interior, notably aligning over the ball when he sacked Buffalo Bills quarterback Josh Allen in Week 6. Roberts’ comfort in the middle gives him a good chance to be a help to the Giants at a key spot.
Giants Can’t Ignore Defensive Tackle Need
The Giants have been slow to boost their options at defensive tackle, with Dan Duggan of The Athletic pointing out how “Amazingly, this is the Giants’ first free agent DT signing.”
Inactivity at this position is surprising given the lack of credible depth. New head coach John Harbaugh and his chosen defensive coordinator Dennard Wilson will still rely on All-Pro Dexter Lawrence II to lead the group, but his supporting cast is less than convincing.
Veteran Roy Robertson-Harris can line up at multiple spots, but no offense is making special plans to contain him. The same can be said of 2025 third-round draft pick Darius Alexander, who struggled to get involved as a rookie, but still has the potential to earn a bigger role. Meanwhile, the Giants have so far retained Elijah Chatman, but the frequent offseason star has been on and off the roster a lot.
It wouldn’t be a surprise to see Harbaugh revisit the free-agency market and also enter this year’s draft class for more help along the D-line, as he works to fine-tune a sturdier rotation around Lawrence.
Giants Adding ‘Grown-Man Strong’ Defensive Tackle in Free Agency