Giants to sign Rakeem Nunez-Roches: 5 things to know
The New York Giants have reportedly come to terms with former Tampa Bay Buccaneers defensive lineman Rakeem Nunez-Roches on a three-year deal worth $12 million, $7.5 million of which is guaranteed.
Here are five quick things to know about the newest Giants lineman.
Early life
Nunez-Roches was born in Dangriga, Belize on July 3, 1993. He came to the U.S. with his family when he was eight years old, settling in Alabama. He began his football journey several years later in high school in Phenix City Alabama.
Southern Miss
Nunez-Roches, a Top 50 high school player in Alabama, went on to play college football at Southern Mississippi where he had four sacks and 15 tackles for a loss as a redshirt junior in 2014. He decided to forego his senior season and entered the 2015 NFL draft.
Drafted by Kansas City
Nunez-Roches was drafted by the Kansas City Chiefs in the sixth round (No. 217 overall) of the 2015 NFL draft, the first Belizean-born prospect ever to be selected.
Nunez-Roches played three seasons for the Chiefs, appearing in 34 games, starting 16. In 2017, he played in all 16 games with 11 starts, racking up 24 total tackles.
The Chiefs released Nunez-Roches in May of 2018. He was claimed off waivers by the Indianapolis Colts but was released during final cuts that September.
On to Tampa Bay
Nunez-Roches signed on with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in October of 2018 where and ended up playing the next five seasons. His best season was 2022 when the 29-year-old recorded a career-high in tackles (33), tackles for a loss (five), and sacks (2.0).
What the Giants are getting
Nunez-Roches is a player who seems to be improving with age. He is a solid rotational interior lineman who is a noted run-stopper.
Last season in Tampa, he played 48 percent of the defensive snaps, proving he is a reliable, steady presence.
Nunez-Roches also brings championship experience to the Giants having been a member the Buccaneers’ Super Bowl LV championship team.
