Giants sign Clayton Isbell, waive Dennis Houston

The New York Giants continued tinkering with their roster on Monday, signing safety Clayton Isbell.

The Carolina Panthers signed Isbell, 24, as a rookie free agent out of Coastal Carolina following the 2024 NFL draft. He was waived on July 26.

The 6-foot-2, 220-pound Isbell appeared in 13 games as a senior, recording 89 tackles (49 solo, 4.5 for a loss), one sack, five passes defensed, and three interceptions.

NFL Network draft analyst Lance Zierlein viewed Isbell as a priory free agent and believed a position change was potentially in order.

Long-limbed down safety whose pedestrian timed speed and above-average size could force a position change to linebacker. Isbell is quick to diagnose and flow downhill to the action and is a willing hitter, but his pursuit angles and tackle strength both need upgrading to eliminate missed tackles. His coverage background and ball production could give him an advantage when asked to match up against pass-catching tight ends. Isbell might need to earn his way as an undrafted free agent but he has some elements to work with as a potential practice-squad talent.

In a corresponding roster move, the Giants waived wide receiver Dennis Houston with an injury designation.

If Houston clears waivers, he will revert to injured reserve (IR).