​New York Giants cornerback Rico Payton cleared waivers and reverted to injured reserve after his release with an injury designation, a move that took place on Tuesday. The same day, the Giants also strengthened their defensive front by claiming defensive lineman C.J. Ravenell off waivers from the Tennessee Titans. Ravenell’s addition gives the team more depth up front as it continues to shape its roster for the upcoming season.
Payton, 26, is an undrafted free agent who hails from Pittsburg State. He initially joined the Giants in August 2025 after being claimed off waivers from the New Orleans Saints. In 2024, the 6-foot, 182-pound cornerback earned a spot on the Saints’ 53-man roster as a rookie, contributing primarily on special teams and recording 13 tackles. He appeared in nine games for New York in the 2025 season, adding valuable depth to the Giants’ secondary and special-teams units during his time with the team.
At the Division II level, Payton stood out as a standout performer, earning All-MIAA honors and being named a Cliff Harris Award finalist in 2023. His reputation has been built on his special-teams prowess and potential as a defensive contributor, qualities that have kept him on NFL rosters despite the crowded cornerback market. In recent weeks, Payton had been seen with a brace on his right leg, suggesting he may have undergone a procedure or been managing an injury that required additional recovery.
If the injury is not severe enough to sideline him for the season, the most likely outcome for Payton and the Giants would be an eventual injury settlement and release. An injury settlement would allow him to recover while still preserving a potential path back to the league if he regains full health and teams see value in his versatility and special-teams ability.
This sequence of moves underscores the Giants’ ongoing effort to fine-tune their roster as they prepare for the season. By clearing waivers on Payton and reverting him to IR, they manage their injured players while also adding talent like Ravenell to bolster the defensive line. Payton’s career arc—rising from an accomplished Division II defender to a rotational NFL contributor—illustrates the kind of depth that teams seek to cultivate through strategic waiver activity and targeted depth additions.
The situation remains fluid, and updates will likely follow regarding Payton’s status and any potential injury settlements or roster moves as the Giants navigate the early stages of their 2026 campaign. This article reflects the situation as reported and may be updated as new information becomes available.