NFL training camp starts at the end of July, which means players around the league are getting their last bits of offseason work in before the real work of trying to make the roster begins.

For certain players, this season is a make-or-break one for them.

We’ll highlight those players for the Giants, continuing with OLB Jihad Ward...

Why Make or Break?

A former second-round pick in 2016, Ward joins the Giants on a one-year, prove-it deal worth $1,187,500 to get back in DC Wink Martindale's scheme.

The pass-rusher spent the 2021 campaign with the Jacksonville Jaguars, totaling two sacks and 32 combined tackles in 17 games (one start).

But despite bouncing around the league in his early career, the Baltimore Ravens, in Martindale's system, saw Ward's biggest sack totals with four in 21 games.

The Illinois product is hoping that he can find some more of that magic, but he will likely be in a reserve role, with youngsters Azeez Ojulari and Kayvon Thibodeaux leading the way there.

Ojulari is coming off a season where he shined with eight sacks for a Giants defense that rarely took down the quarterback. He's looking for a big jump in his sophomore season and the Giants will be giving him ample opportunity to do so. Thibodeaux is a no-brainer as to why he'll be getting a lion's share of outside linebacker snaps.

So, not only does Ward need to handle his business in training camp to make the team, but he'll have limited chances to show his worth. if he wants a new contract with Big Blue, he needs to execute when he gets chances.

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