Latest signing: Vikings and Former Giants LB Jihad Ward agreed on a two-years deal worth $40.5million and a $5million signing bonus

Vikings and Former Giants LB Jihad Ward agreed on a two-years deal worth $40.5million and a $5million signing bonus

Jihad Ward, an outside linebacker for the New York Giants, was signed by the Minnesota Vikings. Fans should enjoy his theatrics and John Randle-like enthusiasm against Aaron Rodgers from the previous season.

Last year, while Rodgers was in his first offseason with the New York Jets for HBO’s “Hard Knocks,” Ward was seen giving Rodgers a bump following a throw during a preseason game, which infuriated Rodgers.

Afterwards, Ward said that he gave Rodgers a love tap since Rodgers had made a joke about Randall Cobb’s blindside block of a Giants defender on a previous play.

On March 20, Ward signed a contract with the Vikings, becoming a member of his sixth franchise since being selected in the second round by Illinois in 2016. In addition to his reputation as an NFL journeyman, he is well-known in the league for his ability to agitate rival quarterbacks in the locker room.

In the Giants’ season-opening victory over the Tennessee Titans two years prior, Ward, who is over 300 pounds and stands six feet five, helped contain Derrick Henry to 82 yards on 21 attempts.

According to The Athletic in 2022, Giants outside linebackers coach Drew Wilkins remarked, “He’s just got so much energy and passion.” “He’s really committed to playing excellent run defense, and in a match like that, it was the top objective. Going in, we were aware that we had to stop Derrick Henry. That man is ideal for it. He’s already completed it. And he rose to the occasion once more.