Giants could look to add while they subtract
New York Giants assistant general manager Brandon Brown walks the sideline during warm-ups before an NFL football game against the Jacksonville Jaguars, Sunday, Oct. 23, 2022, in Jacksonville, Fla. Credit: AP/Gary McCullough
The Giants made additional roster moves before Tuesday’s leaguewide deadline, when teams have until 4 p.m. to pare their rosters to 53 players.
As of Monday afternoon, the Giants’ roster was at 75 players. Guards Jack Anderson and Wyatt Davis and defensive back Zyon Gilbert were among those waived with an injury designation. Tight end Chris Myarick was placed on injured reserve.
The Giants not only have to cut their own roster but will be mining through the cuts by other teams.
Last year, they made five claims between cut day and Week 1. Assistant general manager Brandon Brown was asked if the Giants expect to be working the waiver wire again.
“Obviously, we’ve elevated the talent overall of the team, but we’re going to canvass everything,” Brown said. “ . . . It’s going to be acquire, develop, retain. That’s what we want to do. It’s acquiring the best talent, developing the best talent and retaining the best talent.”
The Giants, he said, will always be looking “for upgrades.”
Meanwhile, Brown indicated that the Giants are pleased with what their rookie class has shown.
“I think when you look at the draft class, we added explosiveness. We talked about making a conscious effort of adding generators on the offensive side, getting more explosive on the defensive side, guys that fit our brand,” Brown said. “So I’m excited. I’m excited. Obviously, there’s been early success, but the book isn’t written yet. But it’s a good start right now.
“When you go back to June, we talked about adding more guys that are smart, tough, dependable,” Brown said. “Like I said in June, it doesn’t guarantee them success, but it gives them an opportunity and a platform for success.”
On the cusp of the regular season, the Giants could have at least five rookies in starting roles or at least important ones: Deonte Banks and Tre Hawkins III at cornerback, John Michael Schmitz at center, Jalin Hyatt at receiver and running back Eric Gray as the punt returner.
Extra points
Cornerback Darnay Holmes agreed Monday to take a pay cut, a source confirmed. That would seem to suggest his roster spot is safe.
Kimberly Jones covers the Giants for Newsday, a beat she first worked in the early 2000s before joining the YES Network to cover the Yankees. She worked for the NFL Network for more than a decade and has been heard semi-regularly on WFAN.
