Giants Sign Free Agent Linebacker Blake Martinez

Drawing upon more than 25 years of legal experience, corporate attorney Eric Krautheimer is a partner at Sullivan & Cromwell, LLP, where he assists clients in purchasing and selling companies. When he isn’t working, Eric Krautheimer enjoys following his favorite National Football League (NFL) team, the New York Giants.

The Giants bolstered their defense on March 17 by signing free agent linebacker Blake Martinez to a 3-year, $30 million contract. Ranked as the number 38 linebacker in the NFL last year by Pro Football Focus, Martinez recorded 155 tackles, five of which were for a loss of yards, as well as three quarterback sacks, one forced fumble, and one interception with the Green Bay Packers.

A fourth-round pick of the Packers in 2016, Martinez has 512 tackles, 10 sacks, two forced fumbles, and three interceptions in 61 career regular season games. He led the league in tackles in 2017 with 144. While he is effective at protecting against the run, he struggles at times dropping back in coverage. However, the 237-pound linebacker hasn’t missed a game in the past three seasons and is regarded as a durable and dependable player.