Giants sign linebacker K.J. Cloyd

On Monday, the New York Giants announced the signing of undrafted rookie free agent linebacker K.J. Cloyd.

The 6-foot-2, 228-pound Cloyd briefly signed with the Minnesota Vikings this offseason but was unable to secure a roster spot. He will now be given a chance with the Giants and defensive coordinator Shane Bowen.

Cloyd, 23, was a fifth-year senior at Louisville, spending four total seasons with the Cardinals. Before that, he played one year in JUCO ball at Jones Community College.

Over his four seasons in Louisville, Cloyd recorded 84 tackles (seven for a loss), 2.0 sacks, one fumble recovery, and three passes defensed in 49 games.

In a corresponding roster move, the Giants released defensive back Kaleb Hayes.

Hayes initially signed with the Jacksonville Jaguars as a rookie free agent following the 2023 NFL draft. He was cut at the end of training camp and scooped up by the Giants before spending the entirety of last season on the team’s practice squad.