NY Giants 2025 Roster Transactions: Initial 53-man Roster Set

The Giants officially announced their initial 53-man roster.

New York Giants General Manager Joe Schoen | Julian Leshay Guadalupe/NorthJersey.com / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

August 26 Transactions

All Transactions have been confirmed by the Giants.

---

WR Dalen Cambre
(Waived/No Recall)

It’s somewhat surprising that Cambre lost out to Beaux Collins, but special teams was likely the difference maker

---

C Bryan Hudson
(Waived/No Recall)

Hudson lost out in the numbers game, but has some value as a potential practice squad developmental prospect.

C Jimmy Morrissey
(Waived/No Recall)

Morrissey was believed to be behind Hudson for a spot on the interior offensive line’s depth chart.

DL Jordon Riley
(Waived/No Recall)

Riley fell behind DJ Davidson in the battle for backup nose tackle last year. Although the 2023 seventh round draft pick shows flashes of potential, he never did move up the depth chart this summer.

OT Stone Forsythe
(Contract Terminated, Vested Veteran) 

Forsythe got extensive work in the preseason finale, working at both tackle spots. But given the development of rookie Marcus Mbow, Forsythe’s chances of hanging around diminished as the summer went on.   

---

DL Jeremiah Ledbetter
(Contract Terminated, Vested Veteran) 

Ledbetter delivered a physical style of play, but as was the case for others on the defensive line who didn’t make the final cut, he didn’t do enough to overcome the challenge of the numbers. 

---

RB Jonathan Ward
(Contract Terminated, Vested Veteran) 

Ward should find work in the league, but with the Giants not willing to keep more than three running backs, he too got swept up in the numbers game.

---

WR Da'Quan Felton
(Waived/Injured)

Felton missed the back half of camp and the preseason with an undisclosed injury and is headed for IR once he clears waivers.

---

TE Jermaine Terry II
(Waived/Injured)

Terry missed the back half of camp and the preseason with an undisclosed injury and is headed for IR once he clears waivers.

---

OL Joshua Ezeudu
(IR/ Designated to Return)

New York Giants guard Joshua Ezeudu | Brad Penner-Imagn Images

What a rough stretch it’s been for offensive lineman Joshua Ezeudu. He finally gets moved back to guard, his best position, and has one of his strongest showings of his young NFL career. 

Unfortunately he suffered a late-summer injury and will land on IR to start the season, clearing the way for Aaron Stinnie to make the roster.

Ezeudu has been designated for return.

---

WR Antwan “Juice” Wells
(Waived/No Recall)

New York Giants wide receiver Antwane Wells Jr. | Vincent Carchietta-Imagn Images

Jaxson Dart’s Ole Miss teammate, receiver Juice Wells finished with four receptions for 24 yards this summer.

While he was always a longshot for the 53-man roster, there is a good chance he returns on the practice squad if he clears waivers considering the Giants guaranteed $234,000 of his base salary when they signed him as an undrafted free agent, the salary, the amount equivalent to a full-year’s salary on the practice squad ($13,000 per week) for a rookie.

---

K Jude McAtamney
(Waived/No Recall)

New York Giants place kicker Jude McAtamney | Vincent Carchietta-Imagn Images

McAtamney is expected to receive an exemption as part of the International Pathway program. He would then become part of the Giants’ practice squad, thereby giving them an extra player to carry on the practice squad.

---

RB Eric Gray
(Inactive/PUP)   

New York Giants running back Eric Gray | Julian Leshay Guadalupe/NorthJersey.com / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

Gray has spent the entire summer on the PUP list, having counted against the 90-man training camp roster. He will be moved to the inactive PUP list and will not count against the 53-man roster. Gray will need to stay on the PUP list for a minimum of four weeks.

---

WR Dalen Cambre

(Waived/No Recall)

It’s somewhat surprising that Cambre lost out to Beaux Collins, but special teams was likely the difference maker.

C Bryan Hudson

(Waived/No Recall)

Hudson lost out in the numbers game, but has some value as a potential practice squad developmental prospect.

C Jimmy Morrissey

(Waived/No Recall)

Morrissey was believed to be behind Hudson for a spot on the interior offensive line’s depth chart.

DL Jordon Riley

(Waived/No Recall)

Riley fell behind DJ Davidson in the battle for backup nose tackle last year. Although the 2023 seventh-round draft pick shows flashes of potential, he never did move up the depth chart this summer.

OT Stone Forsythe

Contract Terminated, Vested Veteran 

Forsythe got extensive work in the preseason finale, working at both tackle spots. But given the development of rookie Marcus Mbow, Forsythe’s chances of hanging around diminished as the summer went on.   

DL Jeremiah Ledbetter

Contract Terminated, Vested Veteran 

Ledbetter delivered a physical style of play, but as was the case for others on the defensive line who didn’t make the final cut, he didn’t do enough to overcome the challenge of the numbers. 

---

RB Jonathan Ward
Contract Terminated, Vested Veteran 

Ward should find work in the league, but with the Giants not willing to keep more than three running backs, he, too, got swept up in the numbers game.

---

WR Da'Quan Felton
(Waived/Injured)

Felton missed the back half of camp and the preseason with an undisclosed injury and is headed for IR once he clears waivers.

---

TE Jermaine Terry II
(Waived/Injured)

Terry missed the back half of camp and the preseason with an undisclosed injury and is headed for IR once he clears waivers.

---

OLB Victor Dimukeje
(Inactive/PUP)

Dimukeje suffered a pectoral injury in May and has been on the Reserve/Non-football Injury list all summer. He is expected to remain on that list to start the season, where he must stay for a minimum of four weeks.

Dimukeje, however, is likely to stay on the NFI for longer than that as he continues his recovery from the injury.

---

DL Cory Durden
(Waived/No Recall)

New York Giants defensive tackle Cory Durden | Vincent Carchietta-Imagn Images

Durden competed this summer among a crowded defensive line room, Durden trying to impress enough with his play at the nose guard. He showed instincts and had good mobility for his size, but it was always thought that he was behind DJ Davidson for that backup role behind starter Dexter Lawrence II.

This move seems to confirm that thinking, though perhaps the Giants might look to keep Durden on the practice squad. 

---

WR/PR Ihmir Smith-Marsette
(Contract Terminated; Vested Veteran)

New York Giants wide receiver Ihmir Smith-Marsette (87) during minicamp at Quest Diagnostics Training Center. | John Jones-Imagn Images

In something of another surprise, the Giants have cut receiver/punt returner Ihmir Smith-Marsette, who helped stabilize the return game last year after Gunner Olszewski ended up missing the season with an injury. Olszewski meanwhile appears to have made the team. 

Smith-Marsette finished the preseason as the Giants team leader in average punt return yardage (10.) and kickoff return yardage (23.0 on two returns). Olszewski meanwhile averaged 4.0 yards on punt returns and had one kickoff return for 23 yards. 

Olszewski was signed to replace Bryce Ford Wheaton, a punt gunner, and yet according to PFF, Olszewski didn’t play any snaps there this summer. 

That said, Olszewski gave the Giants more on offense, finishing with 112 receiving yards, second-most ont he team behind running back Dante Miller, so that was likely the deciding factor.

---

DL Elijah Garcia
(Waived/No Recall)

NY Giants DE Elijah Garcia | Anne-Marie Caruso/NorthJersey.com / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

Garcia sought to latch onto the Giants as defensive end depth, and indeed did a nice job of ensuring he was around the ball a lot this summer as a follow-up to some solid play from last year.

Garcia finished with two pressures (both coming in the preseason finale), and six tackles with one missed tackle. He also made four stops in what was a solid showing. Alas for him, the depth on the defensive line made his quest for a roster spot an uphill battle.

---

OLB Trace Ford
(Waived/No Recall

New York Giants linebacker Trace Ford (46) on the field during training camp at Quest Diagnostics Training Center. | Vincent Carchietta-Imagn Images

Despite having had an impressive summer, outside linebacker Trace Ford likely fell victim to the numbers game at outside linebacker, where Kayvon Thibodeaux, Brian Burns, Abdul Carter and Chauncey Golston are expected to fill out the depth at that spot.

That said, Ford made a strong case for a practice squad spot. Ford finished as the Giants’ defensive leader in pressures (7), and had the third best pass-rush win rate among Giants defenders who had at least 25 pass rush snaps this season (18.9).

---

TE Greg Dulcich
(Waived/No Recall)

New York Giants tight end Greg Dulcich | Vincent Carchietta-Imagn Images

In yet another surprise, the Giants are moving on from tight end Greg Dulcich, who had a solid summer showing, finishing as the preseason leader in touchdowns.

Dulcich excelled as a receiver, running crisp routes and catching 7 of 8 pass targets (87.5%). Dulcich, who didn’t play in the preseason finale, wasn’t as consistent with his blocking, which was likely the deciding factor.   

---

WR Lil’Jordan Humphrey
(Contract Terminated; Vested Veteran)

New York Giants wide receiver Lil'Jordan Humphrey | Vincent Carchietta-Imagn Images

Humphrey finished with six receptions for 94 yards and one touchdown. He offers good size (6-foot-4 and 225 pounds) and speed, and he used that size to come down with contested catches (two of three this preseason). Humphrey will likely land with another team as the numbers just didn’t favor him here with the Giants. 

---

CB Dee Williams
(Waived/No Recall)

New York Giants cornerback Dee Williams | Mark Konezny-Imagn Images

Williams had an uphill battle to make the 53-man roster. Although he had decent production this summer–in 85 snaps he logged five tackles and allowed just four out of nine passes against him (44.4%) to be completed for 47 yards.

Where Williams likely fell short was on special teams. As a punt returner, he managed three returns for 22 yards, with two fair catches. That’s a 7.3 yards per return average which put him behind Ihrmir Smith-Marsette (10.0).

---

DL/FB Elijah Chatman
(Waived/No Recall)

New York Giants defensive tackle Elijah Chatman | Vincent Carchietta-Imagn Images

Here’s a mild surprise. Defensive lineman Elijah Chatman, who last year made the roster after initially starting his NFL journey as a tryout player, did not make the initial 53-man roster. 

Chatman of course spent this summer getting snaps at fullback in an effort to increase his value to the team, but as was the case with Durden, when it came to his main position on the defensive line Davidson’s play was better. 

The good news is that Chatman probably will clear waivers, allowing for the Giants to add him to the practice squad on Wednesday. 

---

CB Tre Hawkins III
(Waived/injured)

New York Giants cornerback Tre Hawkins III | Charles LeClaire-Imagn Images

Cornerback Tre Hawkins III, a 2023 sixth round draft pick by the Giants whose career never really got off the ground–last year his season was cut short due to a fractured vertebrae in his back, is being waived/injured with a hamstring issue that kept him out of most of the preseason. Assuming he clears waivers, which he should, he will land on IR. 

The Giants’ cornerback depth was thin to begin with, so look for them to add someone at this position via waivers.

---

S Raheem Layne
(Waived/No Recall)

New York Giants safety Raheem Layne | Kevin R. Wexler-NorthJersey.com / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

Layne had some injury issues during his time with the Giants and it was thought that perhaps he’d make the initial 53-man roster until waivers rolled around, at which time the Giants would look for an upgrade.

The Giants apparently didn’t want to stop Layne from catching on elsewhere and so right now they have three safeties on the roster: Tyler Nubin, Jevon Holland, and Dane Belton. A fourth safety will be coming once all the cuts are made and the waiver wire claims awarded.

---

S Makari Paige
(Waived/No Recall)

New York Giants safety Makari Paige | John Jones-Imagn Images

Paige, an undrafted rookie free agent, was an intriguing addition to the roster at a position where there was a clear need for a fourth player.

Although he showed improvement week over week in the preseason, Paige, who finished with the second best coverage grade among Giants defensive backs and whose height and mobility are in his favor, seemed destined for the practice squad where he can work on cleaning up some of the holes in his game.

---

IOL Jake Kubas 
(Waived/No Recall)

New York Giants guard Jake Kubas | Kirby Lee-Imagn Images

Jake Kubas, an undrafted free agent in 2024, was a surprise rosteree last year after having had a solid summer and preseason. But with the talent upgrade added to the offensive line, Kubas, who has been working at guard and center, had some steeper competition this summer that he wasn’t able to overcome.

Kubas had two subpar games this preseason, rebounding against the Patriots. Still, his biggest issue was a lack of a power game, which showed up in pass blocking. 

Per Pro Football Focus, Kubas ranked 13th out of 15 Giants who engaged in pass blocking snaps, having allowed three pressures in 97 pass blocking snaps. That ties him for fourth most allowed among the offensive linemen.

Kubas is likely to land on the Giants’ practice squad where he’ll be able to continue working on his strength and on developing into a center.

---

QB Tommy DeVito

(Waived/No Recall)

New York Giants quarterback Tommy DeVito | Mark Smith-Imagn Images

No one was expecting the Giants to keep Tommy DeVito on the roster, certainly not after the team traded up for quarterback Jaxson Dart in April. The surprise here, albeit somewhat mild given the events of the last several days, is that the Giants weren’t able to trade DeVito for at least a seventh round draft pick. 

• RELATED: NY Giants Teammates Appreciative of Hometown Hero QB Tommy DeVito

Was it a matter of Giants general manager overvaluing DeVito’s worth (as he’s reportedly been known to do in the past?) Perhaps.  

The real surprise will be if the Giants are able to slide DeVito onto the practice squad, as he’s proven to be a solid QB2 option thanks to his preseason play.

---

RB Dante Miller
(Waived/No Recall)

Dante Miller as the New York Giants | Chris Pedota, NorthJersey.com / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

Running back Dante “Turbo” Miller’s chance of hanging around on the 53-man roster took a bit of a hit when rookie Cam Skattebo’s hamstring issue cleared up enough for Skattebo to get some preseason action in the finale. 

While I thought the Giants would try to keep Miller, (whom I suspect they’re hoping lands on the practice squad), colleague Bob Folger had his doubts, rendering this analysis of the young man’s game.   

"Throughout Miller’s 11 touches from scrimmage, it became obvious to these eyes that he’s an average running back.  His decision-making is too slow between the tackles, and his penchant for bouncing runs outside is never going to make it against regular-season defenses. 

"But get him in space in the screen game, and Miller turns into the Flash.  He finished off this preseason with nary a drop, which included three more catches.  

"Miller’s pass-blocking is as average as his running instincts.  We’re not sure if he makes the roster, even if his special team potential is legit.  His overall game remains unpolished. We’re not even sure he’ll ever have the feet or vision to play running back in this league.  

"Yes, he enjoyed a positive preseason, but there remain several holes in his game that are hard to fix."

---

OLB Tomon Fox
(Waived/No Recall)

The handwriting was on the wall regarding Fox, who has hung around for three seasons after signing with the Giants as an undrafted free agent out of North Carolina. Once the Giants added Chauncey Golston as a free agent and drafted Abdul Carter, there was no room for another edge rusher, though it will be of interest to see if the Giants try to get Fox onto the practice squad.

The Giants might in fact roll with TRace Ford for the practice squad as he had a better camp and preseason.

---

August 24 Transactions

CB T.J. Moore (IR)
[confirmed by the team]

New York Giants cornerback TJ Moore | Mark Smith-Imagn Images

TJ Moore, the undrafted free agent out of Mercer, suffered a broken femur in the preseason finale that necessitated a hospital stay for surgery.

The young defensive back has since been released from the hospital, but will spend the upcoming year on injured reserve, which will give him a chance to use the team’s facilities and have access to the medical and training staff. Best wishes for a speedy recovery to the young man.

---

S K'von Wallace
(vested vetrean contract terminated)

Wallace was signed after the start of camp, when Anthony Johnson, Jr (shoulder) was waived with a failed physical designation. Wallace appeared in the first and third preseason games for the Giants, registering five tackles and one missed tackle per Pro Football Focus.

He also had one stop. Wallace plays a physical game, but the Giants, who are banged up at safety, are almost certain to add to the safety position in the coming days.

---

August 22 Transactions

(Note: These are all reported transactions unless otherwise noted.)

WR Montrell Washington
 

New York Giants wide receiver Montrell Washington | Mark Konezny-Imagn Images

Washington finished as the Giants’ highest graded receiver (73.9 grade), having worked primarily from the slot. He hauled in seven out of his ten targets for 105 yards, with one drop, and a 50% contested catch rate, and was the intended target on one interception.

Where Washington had to earn his keep was on special teams, which is where he fell short. Playing just four total snaps, Washington didn’t record any tackles or plays of note.

WR Jordan Bly
(Waived/No Recall)

Bly, an undrafted free agent out of Gardner-Webb, finished catching two out of four pass targets for 49 yards and no touchdowns. He played the majority of his snaps on the outside, where there is a logjam at receiver. Of his 49 yards, only six came after the catch, and at 6-foot and 166 pounds, Bly finished one of three in the contested catch area.

OL Jaison Williams
(Waived/No Recall)

Given the numbers ahead of him, the odds of offensive tackle Jaison Williams making the 53-man roster were never a question. Williams, an undrafted free agent out of Youngstown State, finished as the team’s fourth-best pass blocker according to Pro Football Focus. Still, he finished seventh overall among the team’s offensive linemen. 

Williams was one of six Giants offensive linemen to not allow a quarterback pressure (out of 18 pass blocking snaps. Williams received snaps at right guard and right tackle, showing some potential that might be worth developing on the practice squad.  

ILB Dyontae Johnson
(Waived/No Recall)

A year ago, Johnson appeared to be on his way to a roster spot until a high ankle sprain landed him on IR for the majority of the season. Unfortunately, he never did pick up where he left off. 

Getting a whopping 125 defensive snaps this summer (split about even between the run defense and the pass defense), Johnson managed just one pressure and eight tackles, with two missed tackles and just four stops. 

With the team having added Chris Board for special teams, the numbers were stacked against Johnson, who could find himself on the practice squad after showing flashes this summer.  

ILB KJ Cloyd
(Waived/No Recall)

Cloyd was added to the training camp roster after the team lost ILB/special teamer Ty Summers to an injury. Cloyd, primarily a special teamer, finished with two solo tackles on specials, tying him with tight end Greg Dulcich (Jonathan Ward had three total tackles, two solo).

On defense, where Cloyd probably never had a realistic chance of making the team so long as Chris Board stayed healthy, Cloyd’s game was bogged down with missed tackles– in 110 snaps played. 

CB O'Donnell Fortune 
(Waived/No Recall)

Fortune as the summer went on to the point where he might be a practice squad candidate. He finished, allowing just 57.1% of the pass targets against him to be completed for 83 yards, coming up with a respectable 99.1 NFL coverage rating. With the numbers in front of him, a roster spot would have taken a lot more, but again, there is potential there worth developing. 

C Jimmy Morrissey
(Waived/No Recall)

With the Giants expected to roll with Greg Van Roten as a potential backup center, Morrissey had an uphill quest to stick. The good news is that he continued to show promise, where a spot on the practice squad might be in his future, as Morrissey was one of six offensive linemen to in the three preseason games.

WR Zach Pascal  
(Contract terminated; vested veteran)

This one was a bit of a stinger as Pascal finished as PFF’s (76.4), Pascal hauling in five out of six pass turrets for 57 yards, 14 after the catch. Pascal, who shouldn’t be out of work too long, also posted zero drops and went three of four in the contested catch arena, . 

He didn’t post any special teams tackles in 17 snaps, which may have been the deciding factor. That said, if we go on pure stats alone, Pascal had a more productive summer than another Giants receiver, Jalin Hyatt, who doesn’t contribute on special teams.

What happens next with the NY Giants? Find out! Follow and like us on Facebook. Visit our YouTube channel for the latest videos. Want to send a question in for our mailbag? You can do so here.