The New York Giants made a flurry of roster moves on Friday, May 8, officially signing eight undrafted rookie free agents while waiving/injuring running back Deon Jackson to open a spot on the 90-man offseason roster. These moves mark the next phase as the Giants staff evaluates talent in preparation for training camp.
Eight Undrafted Free Agents Join Giants
General Manager Joe Schoen continues to emphasize the importance of undrafted rookie free agents (UDFAs) as a cost-effective way to enhance roster competition and find hidden talent. The eight signees bring renewed depth across several positions including wide receiver, defensive back, and the offensive and defensive lines.
Leading the group is wide receiver Ayir Asante out of Wyoming. Known for his speed and ability to stretch defenses vertically, Asante showed flashes of big-play potential in college but lacked consistent production. With a wide receiver room already deep with players like Malik Nabers, Darnell Mooney, Jalin Hyatt, and Darius Slayton, Asante will need to make an immediate impact on special teams to advance his chances of making the roster.
Joining Asante is John Jiles, a wide receiver from Division II West Florida, who offers reliable hands and a strong frame. Though the jump to the NFL level is significant, Jiles has tools the Giants feel can be developed. He is projected to start his career on the practice squad if he clears waivers.
In the secondary, the Giants added UCLA defensive back Alex Johnson. Johnson's versatility allows him to play both cornerback and safety, which is valuable for a group anchored by Deonte Banks, Paulson Adebo, Greg Newsome II, and Jevon Holland. The coaching staff plans to utilize Johnson chiefly on special teams early on, exploring his best fit during OTA practices.
The remaining five signees fill out the back end of the roster and are considered developmental lottery tickets -- players with limited draft exposure but with enough upside to warrant an opportunity. The Giants' reputation for finding productive undrafted players remains strong, with recent examples like Isaiah Hodgins and Cam Jones who have become meaningful contributors despite not hearing their names called during the draft.
Deon Jackson Waived/Injured
To accommodate these eight rookies, the Giants waived/injured running back Deon Jackson. Jackson, who was signed earlier in the offseason, came in as depth behind established backs Devin Singletary, Tyrone Tracy Jr., Eric Gray, Cam Skattebo, and Dante Miller. Unfortunately, an injury has set back his bid to make the squad.
The waived/injured designation means that if Jackson clears waivers, he will revert to the Giants' injured reserve list, potentially allowing him to remain within the organization during his recovery, albeit with slim odds of making the 53-man roster. The running back room already features several younger players, including Kevorian Barnes, making competition fierce.
Jackson previously spent time with the Indianapolis Colts and Cleveland Browns and is known for his pass-catching abilities out of the backfield. However, with Singletary established as the primary back and Tracy Jr. rising as a versatile change-of-pace option, the Giants opted to release Jackson given his injury and depth at the position.
90-Man Roster Takes Shape
The signing of these eight undrafted rookies fills the Giants' roster to the 90-player offseason limit typical of NFL teams heading into training camp evaluations. This full complement will enable the staff to assess a diverse pool of athletes during organized team activities (OTAs) and mandatory minicamps.
As the new players begin to acclimate, proving themselves especially on special teams is the most direct path to carving out a spot on the roster. Head Coach John Harbaugh and Offensive Coordinator Matt Nagy lead the team with a clear plan for roster building focused on competition and development.
The wide receiver room benefits from the additions of Asante and Jiles amid a group that already includes Malik Nabers, Darnell Mooney, Jalin Hyatt, Darius Slayton, Isaiah Hodgins, Gunner Olszewski, Calvin Austin III, and Xavier Gipson. The Giants prioritize youthful, affordable depth with an eye on both immediate and long-term potential.
Defensively, Johnson's arrival offers valuable versatility to a secondary anchored by Deonte Banks, Paulson Adebo, Greg Newsome II, Dru Phillips, and others. Defensive Coordinator Dennard Wilson values players who can operate across multiple roles, providing schemes with flexibility.
Looking Forward: OTAs and Beyond
With the 90-man roster set, the Giants will focus on the upcoming OTAs, the initial live evaluation period under the current coaching staff. These sessions represent the first meaningful opportunity for rookies and fringe players to demonstrate their abilities in a competitive environment.
Additional roster moves are expected as the offseason progresses, including cuts and potential roster adjustments to the physically unable to perform (PUP) list. The Giants remain committed to earning every roster spot through performance, signaling a competitive mindset anchored by the front office and coaching staff.
While the future remains uncertain for Deon Jackson, the eight undrafted rookies now wearing Giants gear have their shot to prove they belong in the NFL. The Giants will closely monitor their progress as the team looks to build a deep, versatile roster for the 2026 season.
The New York Giants' decision to sign eight undrafted free agents reflects their ongoing commitment to discovering overlooked talent and fostering competition at every position. While injuries and roster realities led to Deon Jackson's departure, the roster is now primed for a busy offseason evaluation period under the guidance of John Harbaugh, Matt Nagy, Dennard Wilson, and Joe Schoen.
These moves reinforce the Giants' approach of building through both the draft and savvy post-draft acquisitions. As training camp approaches, the success of these eight rookies may prove pivotal in shaping the final roster and ultimately the Giants' fortunes in 2026.