The Giants claimed a defensive back off waivers — but not one that addresses the concerns at cornerback unless a position change is in the works.
Safety Anthony Johnson, who was cut by the Packers after training camp, was awarded to the Giants off of waivers before Wednesday’s practice. The Iowa State product was a 2023 seventh-round draft pick and started four games as a rookie.
Johnson was drafted No. 243 overall, one spot before the Giants selected defensive tackle Jordon Riley. He played cornerback in college until switching his final year, when he set the Big 12 conference record with 54 career starts.
The Giants had the No. 6 waiver priority based on last season’s record. But waivers function differently than the draft in that the order does not snake and the five teams ahead of the Giants have priority in any overlapping claims.
The Panthers, for example, had the No. 1 priority and claimed three cornerbacks. It was not immediately known if the Giants put in any claims for those same players, but it would make sense given that neither Nick McCloud nor Cor’Dale Flott distinguished himself as the outside starter opposite Deonte Banks.
The Giants kept three other cornerbacks — Tre Hawkins and slot options Dru Phillips and Isaiah Simmons.
Johnson is the fifth safety on the roster, after a top-three that figures to play a lot of snaps — Jason Pinnock, Tyler Nubin and Dane Belton — and special-teamer Gervarrius Owens.
None of the Giants’ cuts were claimed by other teams off waivers.
Fullback Jakob Johnson, who joined the Giants late in training camp and has followed offensive line coach Carmen Bricillo throughout his career, reportedly re-signed to the practice squad after he was cut. Undrafted rookie safety Alex Johnson also reportedly is rejoining the Giants via the practice squad.
Practice-squad players can be elevated to the game-day roster a maximum of three times.
