Giants sign DT Armon Watts to practice squad, release DB Duke Shelley

Following a private workout on Monday in East Rutherford, the New York Giants have signed veteran defensive tackle Armon Watts to their practice squad.

The 6-foot-5, 307-pound Watts began his career as a sixth-round pick of the Minnesota Vikings out of Arkansas back in 2019. He played three seasons in Minnesota where his unit coach was Andre Patterson, who currently serves as the Giants’ defensive line coach.

After being waived by the Vikings, Watts has spent each of the past three seasons with different teams — the Chicago Bears, Pittsburgh Steelers, and the New England Patriots.

He was released by the Patriots with an injury settlement in August.

Watts has appeared in 72 NFL games with 22 starts. He’s recorded 140 total tackles, seven for a loss, and 8.5 sacks in his career.

In order to clear space for Watts on the practice squad, the Giants released cornerback Duke Shelley, who was previously elevated in Week 4 against the Dallas Cowboys.