The New York Giants made a significant wide receiver decision on roster cutdown day, electing to cut veteran free agent signing Lil’Jordan Humphrey, according to ESPN NFL insider Adam Schefter.
“[The] Giants are releasing veteran WR Lil’Jordan Humphrey,” Schefter reported on Tuesday, ahead of the 53-man deadline.
Big Blue initially signed Humphrey to a $1.245 million contract in free agency earlier this offseason, then briefly released him. He re-signed on another $1.22 million contract after that, earning a total of $50,000 in combined guarantees between the two contracts.
Needless to say, with the veteran out of the mix, the Giants could be turning to their promising group of UDFA youngsters for WR depth.
Reacting to this post, The Athletic’s Dan Duggan called this “good news” for popular undrafted rookie wide receiver Beaux Collins.
Collins has been a standout all throughout OTAs and training camp, and despite struggling in the final preseason game, remains a fan favorite to make the cut. Let’s take a closer look at the NYG wide receiver room with the cutdown looming in a couple of hours.
Giants WR Battle Narrows Ahead of 53-Man Roster Cutdown
GettyNew York Giants rookie wide receiver Beaux Collins finds himself right on the bubble of the 53-man roster cutdown.
There were a few Giants cuts at wide receiver before August 26, including players like Montrell Washington, Zach Pascal and Jordan Bly.
Humphrey and fellow veteran WR/returner Ihmir Smith-Marsette were then added to the list on Tuesday morning/afternoon.
On Smith-Marsette, ESPN’s Jordan Raanan reported: “The Giants waived WR/KR Ihmir Smith-Marsette, per source. He had a kick return for a touchdown last season and had a punt return TD called back. Averaged 34.6 yards per kickoff return last season. Thought he would get another chance to be the Giants‘ returner.
In all likelihood, Gunner Olszewski’s strong preseason showing ousted Smith-Marsette.
Big Blue View beat reporter Ed Valentine agreed, commenting: “This has to mean the Giants are keeping Gunner Olszewski, the player Smith-Marsette replaced due to injury a season ago. Olszewski showed more ability as a receiver during the preseason. It may also be good news for undrafted free agent rookie Beaux Collins.
Valentine added that “whether or not Smith-Marsette can be a useful reserve wide receiver might be the crux of the issue.”
After the Humphrey and Smith-Marsette departures, the Giants have the following WRs remaining on their pre-deadline roster.
- Roster locks: Malik Nabers, Darius Slayton, Wan’Dale Robinson.
- Expected to make the team: Jalin Hyatt, Olszewski.
- Bubble candidates: Collins, Dalen Cambre, Antwane “Juice” Wells Jr., Da’Quan Felton.
UPDATE: Shortly after this article was published, Raanan reported that Wells will be cut and subjected to waivers.
Giants UDFA WRs Could Be Fighting for Final Roster Spot as Cuts Roll In
Assuming Olszewski does indeed make the team, it would appear that Collins, Cambre and Felton are all fighting for one or two spots on the 53-man roster.
Six receivers should make it, so the availability of one final job is pretty much guaranteed. But there is a world where the Giants keep a seventh WR, like Cambre, who is also known as a plus special teamer.
It’s all coming down to the wire for these three promising rookies, who have each impressed throughout the spring and summer. Whichever one or two don’t make the team will likely be candidates for the practice squad if they clear waivers.
Giants Cut Veteran WR Signing, Hinting Fan Favorite Rookie Could Make Roster