Giants Sign LB, Cut CB Amid Roster Adjustments

The New York Giants made a strategic roster adjustment on Sunday, signing linebacker KJ Cloyd to the 90-man roster while releasing cornerback Kaleb Hayes . This move comes as the Giants continue to navigate injuries and solidify their lineup ahead of the regular season.

KJ Cloyd , a 6-foot-2, 228-pound linebacker, was originally signed by the Minnesota Vikings as an undrafted free agent out of the University of Miami (Florida). Before transferring to Miami, Cloyd spent three years at Louisville, where he appeared in 49 games, recording 84 tackles, 7 tackles for loss, 2 sacks, and 3 pass breakups. His versatility and experience make him a valuable addition to the Giants, particularly in light of linebacker Dyontae Johnson's recent ankle sprain. With Johnson expected to miss some time, Cloyd is likely to see significant snaps and could contribute on special teams.

The decision to waive Kaleb Hayes , a 5-foot-11, 194-pound cornerback, reflects the Giants' need to balance their roster as they address injuries and evaluate depth. Hayes, who played his college football at BYU, was originally signed by the Jacksonville Jaguars as an undrafted free agent last year. After spending the 2023 season on the Giants’ practice squad, Hayes was considered a long shot to make the final roster, especially with the Giants' growing concerns about the cornerback position following Cor’Dale Flott's quad injury.

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The Giants have been closely monitoring their defensive depth, particularly in the secondary, where questions remain about the starting spot opposite rookie Deonte Banks. While the release of Hayes might raise eyebrows given the current injury situation, the addition of Cloyd addresses the immediate need for linebacker depth, especially with Johnson's injury potentially leaving the Giants thin at that position.

As the Giants continue their preseason preparations, the roster churn is expected to persist as they evaluate and optimize their lineup. Cloyd’s signing suggests that the Giants are focused on ensuring they have the necessary depth to compete effectively, particularly on special teams and in their defensive rotations.