Observation From Giants Initial 53-Man Roster

The New York Giants settled their initial 53-man roster by Tuesday’s 4 p.m. deadline, making several tough decisions on their way down from the 90-man offseason roster.

With that, fans got a look at the team’s priorities and how different rule changes affected their decisions.

There are moves still to come as the practice squad gets filled and waiver wire moves jam the transaction log. In the meantime, let’s look at some of the more interesting developments out of Giants camp.

New York Cut Fullback Jakob Johnson

Perhaps the most surprising cut was that of fullback Jakob Johnson. As a pure fullback, Johnson was a welcome addition to the tight end room late in training camp and figured to have a unique enough role to stick. He’d give New York the flexibility to work in more two-back sets (or at least execute them better) and had plenty of special teams experience.

He was firmly on our offensive roster projection , too.

With a history with offensive line coach Carmen Bricillo and continuity with starting linemen Greg Van Roten and Jermaine Eluemunor, the decision to keep just three tight ends on the roster was a curious one.

It wouldn’t be surprising if Johnson made his way back, but for now the Giants seem comfortable with Chris Manhertz taking on the extra blocking duties if need be.

Tommy DeVito Makes the Team

Made clear by the league reverting to the 2023 version of the emergency quarterback rule, head coach Brian Daboll confirmed that quarterback Tommy DeVito would make the Giants roster.

After a fine, but unremarkable preseason, his continuity and flashes from last season proved to be enough to keep him around. It’s worth noting that he isn’t a strong threat for QB2 (unless Drew Lock begins to really struggle in practice) but New York no longer needed him to pass through waivers to land on the practice squad.

More enticing options made DeVito a long shot to be added by anyone else, but it’s a risk avoided altogether and essentially locks in his spot for the long haul. Tommy Cutlets is here to stay.

Related: Giants Reveal Initial 53-Man Roster

Three Safeties Foreshadows Waiver Wire Move

New York is undeniably thin at safety. It elected to keep three (Jason Pinnock, Tyler Nubin, Dane Belton). One can argue that linebacker/cornerback Isaiah Simmons counts as one, too.

The Giants dealt with injuries at the position throughout camp, and Gervarrius Owens seemed to be the last one standing before leaving practice. That leaves the team without full-time depth – something fans can expect to be mitigated through the waiver wire in the coming days.

New York will likely search for an athletic safety who can contribute on special teams. Given the dozens cut on Tuesday, there shouldn’t be a shortage of options on the back end.