New cornerback Korie Black joins the Jets after being released by the Giants.

Jets Sign Ex-Giants Rookie Cornerback

The Jets have effectively acquired a draft pick from the Giants.

Collie Black, a rookie cornerback, was released Wednesday after the Giants finalized their initial 53-man roster. They planned to bring him back to the practice squad, assuming he cleared the exemption, but it turns out he’s joining the Jets’ practice squad instead.

Black, who was the Giants’ seventh-round selection, was anticipated to contribute significantly on special teams, particularly as depth in a notably thin area on their roster.

This move, though, might not sit well with the Giants’ front office.

The Giants let Black go to make room for Rico Payton, another cornerback who has faced some injury challenges.

Normally, players recovering from injuries can pass the exemption and return to the practice squad, but the Giants acted swiftly regarding Payton after paying him considerable attention for over a year.

Due to Payton’s injuries, which are said to sideline him for several weeks at a time, the Giants might be considering putting him on injured reserve and filling that spot with Black instead.

It’s been noted that veteran gunner Orssuki might also face similar procedural cuts, but he seems to be firmly in place for now.

Interestingly, Black becomes a free agent after clearing the exemption.

This move, while it might seem standard, underscores how the Jets’ coaches and scouts had been observing Black during the Giants’ preseason practices.

As he steps onto the Jets’ practice squad, Black is expected to fill the spot previously occupied by Jarick Bernard Converse.

Furthermore, the Jets are keeping five cornerbacks on their 53-man roster at this time.

Black now becomes the first of general manager Joe Shane’s 31 draft picks to leave, and he’s not expected to participate in any games for the Giants this season.