Giants claim yet another defensive tackle, waive CB Rico Payton injured

Posted by Admin July 7, 2026 NFL

The New York Giants on Tuesday claimed a defensive tackle off waivers, and waived/injured a cornerback, proving once again that even on a lazy summer day, the NFL never truly sleeps.

The Giants have been awarded defensive tackle C.J. Ravenell off waivers from the Tennessee Titans. Ravenell was waived from injured reserve by the Titans earlier this week.

An undrafted free agent out of Missouri Western State, Ravenell played in 14 games with one start for the Titans last season. The 6-foot-5, 300-pounder had six tackles and a forced fumble in just 97 defensive snaps.

Giants defensive coordinator Dennard Wilson held that role in Tennessee last season, so he is familiar with Ravenell. Head coach John Harbaugh is also familiar with Ravenell, who spent training camp with the Baltimore Ravens in 2025.

The Giants have remade their defensive line this offseason. They traded Dexter Lawrence, let Rakeem Nunez-Roches and D.J. Davidson leave in free agency, waived Elijah Chatman, and lost Roy Robertson-Harris to injury.

Veterans D.J. Reader, Shelby Harris, Leki Fotu, Sam Roberts, Zacch Pickens, and Josh Fotou have been added. Bobby Jamison-Travis was selected in Round 6 of the 2025 NFL Draft.

To make room for Ravenell on the 90-man roster, cornerback Rico Payton was waived injured.

Payton was claimed off waivers by the Giants from the New Orleans Saints last season. He appeared in nine games.