The Giants had a tough Thursday, losing one of their defensive backs to the Jets.
Just a day later, they managed to snag a defensive player who had previously been with the Jets.
Linebacker Zaire Burns signed with the Giants’ practice squad on Friday, following the Jets’ signing of Cory Black, who was the Giants’ seventh-round draft selection.
Even though Black didn’t make the initial 53-man roster, the Giants intended to bring him back for the practice squad.
But, with Black available for only a short time, the Jets quickly picked him up, especially given their injuries over the summer. He only saw the field 14 times during the preseason.
It’s a bit surprising, really, that the Jets would trade for Black, considering the Giants thought they could easily re-sign him.
Financially, there seems to be no significant difference between the practice squads of the Giants and Jets.
Burns, who was drafted by the Jets as their sixth pick in 2023 from Western Michigan, played in four games as a rookie but missed the entire 2024 season due to an ankle injury.
Last Wednesday, the Jets parted ways with Burns.
Additionally, the Giants have brought on offensive lineman McClendon Curtis as part of the final arrangements for their training squad.
Curtis, standing at 6-foot-6 and weighing 330 pounds, was also released by the Cardinals. He started his NFL journey as an undrafted player with the Raiders, where current Giants offensive line coach Carmen Brissiro was previously involved.
In the last two seasons, Curtis has played five games with the Seahawks.
Meanwhile, linebacker Trace Ford has been let go from the practice squad.
Earlier in July, the Giants had re-signed Gunner Orshevski since wide receiver and special teams player Bryceford Wheaton had suffered an Achilles injury during training camp.
In 2023, Orszewski had secured his spot as the Giants’ primary kick returner, edging out Imir Smith Marsette for the role.
Initially, they released Orshouski when they needed to trim down to 53 players; this was more of a procedural move than anything. On Friday, they welcomed him back, and he will again serve as their main kick returner after spending the 2024 season on injured reserve.
To make space for Orszewski, cornerback Rico Payton, who also qualified for exemption on Wednesday, was placed on injured reserve. Orszewski was notably recognized as the NFC Special Teams Player of the Week for a 94-yard punt return touchdown against the Rams during the second half of the 2023 season.
