Giants sign veteran RB Matt Breida, DE Jihad Ward

The Giants have signed RB Matt Breida and DE Jihad Ward, the team announced on Monday.

With Devontae Booker not returning for the Giants, Breida immediately comes in as Saquon Barkley's backup. And given Barkley's injury history, New York knows they need a veteran who can handle a workload. 

Breida also comes from the Bills family, having played under Brian Daboll's scheme last season. He played nine games, totaling 125 yards on the ground and 72 yards through the air. It was hard to break through with Devin Singletary and Zack Moss also on the roster, but he made his mark when he could. 

The 27-year-old went undrafted to the San Francisco 49ers back in 2017 and lasted three years there as someone who could be trusted in the backfield. In 2018, he was the leading back with 814 rushing yards and 261 receiving yards over 14 games. 

There is a chance the Giants also draft a running back to give Breida competition, but as of now, the Giants' backfield is set.

As for Ward, he is familiar with new DC Wink Martindale, having played with the Baltimore Ravens in 2019 and 2020. 

The former second-round pick is viewed as a depth edge rusher, as he's started just two games since 2017. He has 10 sacks on his career thus far with 91 combined tackles and three fumble recoveries.