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Jabaal Sheard: 5 best fits in NFL free agency

By James Dudko

Sep 11, 2016; Glendale, AZ, USA; New England Patriots defensive lineman Jabaal Sheard (93) against the Arizona Cardinals at University of Phoenix Stadium. The Patriots defeated the Cardinals 23-21. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 11, 2016; Glendale, AZ, USA; New England Patriots defensive lineman Jabaal Sheard (93) against the Arizona Cardinals at University of Phoenix Stadium. The Patriots defeated the Cardinals 23-21. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports /
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Nov 6, 2016; East Rutherford, NJ, USA; New York Giants defensive end Jason Pierre-Paul (90) tackles Philadelphia Eagles running back Darren Sproles (43) during the first half at MetLife Stadium. Mandatory Credit: William Hauser-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 6, 2016; East Rutherford, NJ, USA; New York Giants defensive end Jason Pierre-Paul (90) tackles Philadelphia Eagles running back Darren Sproles (43) during the first half at MetLife Stadium. Mandatory Credit: William Hauser-USA TODAY Sports /

3. New York Giants

Jason Pierre-Paul’s uncertain status makes Sheard a perfect fit for the New York Giants. While he’s not as dynamic as JPP at his best, Sheard is versatile enough to still thrive in coordinator Steve Spagnuolo’s schemes.

Spags runs a creative, linemen-heavy system based on fire-zone pressure. His concepts ask the men in the trenches to do a lot.

It’s not uncommon for a Giants D-end to stand up or put his hand down in a three-point stance. Ends are likely to move around, switch sides, line up together or even stand in the guard-center A-gaps and fake pressure before bailing into coverage.

Fortunately for Big Blue, Sheard did all these things while in New England. His two seasons spent with head coach Bill Belichick and coordinator Matt Patricia formed a crash course for operating in creative, hybrid defenses of the type the Giants run.

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