Like the other 31 NFL teams, the New York Giants made their roster cuts Saturday. Next up is the waiver wire and practice squad fill-ups on Sunday. The waiver wire at this time of the year is crucial for each NFL team, and the Giants are no exception.
Giants 2019 first-round pick Deandre Baker is likely to be released and rookie safety Xavier McKinney and linebacker David Mayo are expected to go on injured reserve. That will open up some roster spots Big Blue can fill.
Over the past couple of seasons, general manager Dave Gettleman acquired special teams and hidden talent from the waiver wire. That includes players like Cody Core, Spencer Pulley, Antonio Hamilton, and more. Here are some options for the Giants this year:
Possible New York Giants Waiver Wire Claim Candidates
Sidney Jones
The Philadelphia Eagles drafted Sidney Jones in the second round of the 2017 NFL Draft out of Washington. After being on the PUP list for most of the season, the Eagles activated him for one game at the end of the season. However, he was inactive for the playoffs and their Super Bowl win.
The next season Jones appeared in nine games and appeared in four games. He allowed 26 completions on 42 targets, allowing a 61.9 percent completion percentage. He allowed 262 yards and gave up two touchdowns on those 26 completions and a 95.5 passer rating.
In 2019, he had a bounce-back year. Jones appeared in twelve games but started four. He allowed 16 completions on 31 targets and hauled in two interceptions. He allowed 210 yards, a 67.9 passer rating, and gave up two touchdowns on those 16 completions. Though he had the best season of his career, the Eagles released him on Saturday.
Jones never lived up to the hype of the second-round pick the Eagles hoped he would be. However, the Giants picking him up off the waiver wire would be a smart idea. They do not have that much good corner depth behind James Bradberry, Logan Ryan, and rookie Darnay Holmes.
Donte Deayon
Donte Deayon was a standout candidate two years ago in training camp. He recorded two interceptions in the final preseason game vs Patriots quarterback Danny Etling in 2018.
Deayon got limited playing time in 2018 and was released by the Giants on October 16th, 2018 to make room for wide receiver Bennie Fowler.
Many Giant fans were not happy with the move, especially pointing to his spectacular preseason and his decent season stats. Deayon recovered one fumble and recorded two pass deflections. He also gave up five catches on ten targets with a 50 percent completion percentage and a 69.2 passer rating.
Much like a Sidney Jones acquisition, this one would not be bad as well. The Giants need secondary help and Deayon is still young. He could be a factor on special teams and occasionally on defense if the Giants claim him off the waiver wire.
Shareef Miller
Shareef Miller was drafted by the Eagles last season in the fourth round out of Penn State. He only played one game last season for them. The Eagles released him along with Jones and Rasul Douglas on Saturday.
Miller’s defensive line coach at Penn State is now New York Giants’ current defensive line coach, Sean Spencer. If the Giants were to claim Miller on the waiver wire, he would instantly be turned into a 3-4 linebacker.
As many linebackers as the Giants have, they do not have a signature long-term pass rusher. Not saying Miller will become that guy in one year, but he could help boost the young linebacker core of Oshane Ximines, Carter Coughlin, Lorenzo Carter, and company.
Hakeem Butler
Arizona Cardinals selected Butler in the fourth round of the 2019 NFL Draft out of Iowa State. While Butler was at Iowa State, he recorded 110 receptions, 2,149 yards, and 18 touchdowns in 34 games.
Unfortunately, when he entered the NFL, Butler suffered a broken hand and went on injured reserve for the rest of the season. He was released on Saturday.
The reason he would be a viable candidate for the Giants is that he is 6’5. Behind Golden Tate, Sterling Shepard, and Darius Slayton, the Giants currently have C.J. Board and Corey Coleman.
To suit Jason Garrett’s offense, the Giants need a tall receiver to go up and get the ball. Butler could succeed as a late-bloomer with the help of Garrett and wide receivers coach Tyke Tobert. If the Giants pick him up and make him into something fierce, this pickup could be a steal.
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