The New York Giants made another roster adjustment on May 7, 2026, as defensive tackle Elijah Chatman was claimed off waivers by the Cleveland Browns, officially ending his tenure with Big Blue. The move came as the Giants trimmed their roster ahead of the NFL offseason calendar deadlines.
Chatman, an undrafted free agent out of Southern Methodist University (SMU), joined the Giants in 2024 and appeared in 22 games over two seasons, primarily contributing on special teams and as a rotational defensive lineman. Listed at 6 feet tall and 278 pounds, Chatman's size is considered undersized for a traditional NFL defensive tackle. However, his quickness and motor made him an intriguing developmental player during his time in New York.
Despite flashes of interior pass-rushing ability and an energetic playing style, Chatman faced stiff competition on a Giants defensive line room that has grown increasingly crowded. The Giants' defensive tackle depth group entering the 2026 offseason includes:
- Darius Alexander (#91): A young player with high upside as a starter.
- Sam Roberts (#99): A versatile interior lineman valued for his special teams contributions.
- Roy Robertson-Harris (#95): A veteran known for pass-rush skills.
- Bobby Jamison-Travis: An undrafted free agent competing for a roster spot.
- Leki Fotu: A large, space-eating run-stopper.
- Shelby Harris: A seasoned veteran who plays both defensive end and tackle.
- Zacch Pickens: A 2023 third-round draft pick still developing his skill set.
- DJ Reader: The team's top-tier run-stuffing nose tackle and defensive leader.
This mix of veterans and promising talent left limited room for Chatman, especially given that he is not quite as stout against the run as Fotu or Reader and doesn't possess the same pass-rushing upside as Robertson-Harris or Alexander. Practically, the Giants would have preferred to place Chatman on their practice squad, but the waiver claim by the Browns removed that option.
The Cleveland Browns, looking to bolster their defensive interior depth, saw potential in Chatman's quickness and hustle. Under defensive coordinator Jim Schwartz, the Browns emphasize quickness and disruption from their defensive line, traits that align well with Chatman's playing style. Adding Chatman is a relatively low-risk move for Cleveland, as they continue to seek young, developmental players who can contribute rotational snaps and special teams value.
From a broader perspective, this waiver loss illustrates the Giants' roster strategy in 2026. Led by general manager Joe Schoen and head coach John Harbaugh, New York has been focused on revamping the defensive line through free agency, the draft, and internal development. The signings of DJ Reader and Shelby Harris, combined with the drafting of Zacch Pickens and the emergence of Darius Alexander and Roy Robertson-Harris, have created a competitive depth chart that forced tough cuts like Chatman's.
Looking ahead, the Giants will continue to focus on key position battles along the defensive line:
- Starting Nose Tackle: DJ Reader firmly holds the starting role, with Leki Fotu and Zacch Pickens competing to be his dependable backups.
- 3-Technique Rotational Roles: Roy Robertson-Harris and Darius Alexander battle for primary interior pass-rush duties, with Sam Roberts aiming to impress as a versatile option.
- Practice Squad Prospects: Players like Bobby Jamison-Travis vie for developmental roles on the 16-man practice squad.
While Chatman's departure reduces the number of developmental players in camp, it does not signal any urgent depth concerns. The Giants possess ample talent internally and remain prepared to scout the waiver wire for interior defensive linemen as needed, especially if injuries arise during training camp.
For Elijah Chatman, joining the Browns provides a fresh opportunity with a coaching staff known for player development. Should he continue to build on his penetration skills and add some bulk without sacrificing quickness, he has a chance to carve out a meaningful rotational role in Cleveland, potentially contributing on special teams and in defensive packages.
For the Giants, the focus returns to building team chemistry under their current coaching staff while evaluating roster players as the offseason progresses. Chatman's move is a routine but meaningful reminder of the competitive nature of NFL roster construction, where young players must seize limited opportunities or find new homes elsewhere.
In conclusion, while not a headline-grabbing transaction, the Giants losing Elijah Chatman off waivers to the Cleveland Browns highlights the depth and challenges of maintaining a competitive NFL roster. It underscores confidence in the current defensive tackle group and strategic decision-making by the front office. Meanwhile, Chatman embarks on the next chapter of his career, hoping to leverage his talents in a new environment.
As Giants fans look toward training camp, the defensive tackle rotation will be one of several battles to watch closely. With established veterans anchored by DJ Reader and a cadre of promising players competing for snaps, the position group could emerge as a strength. However, they also must be mindful that injuries could quickly shift depth charts, reminding everyone that even marginal moves like this one can have ripple effects on the season ahead.
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