The New York Giants trimmed their roster to the league-mandated 53 players Tuesday afternoon, finalizing their initial squad for the 2025 season. While the list is always fluid — waiver claims, practice squad signings, and last-minute adjustments loom in the coming days — the decisions made at the deadline signal the Giants’ vision for the season ahead.
The team opens the regular season September 7 at Washington, officially beginning what head coach Brian Daboll called “the next chapter” for a group he believes reflects both chemistry and competition.
The Cuts: Tough But Necessary
As always, the cutdown process was unforgiving. The Giants waived 18 players, released five vested veterans, and designated others to injured or physically unable to perform lists. Among the notable moves:
- Quarterback Tommy DeVito — the local favorite who authored a feel-good run in 2023 with three straight wins as an undrafted rookie — was waived after serving as a spot starter the past two seasons. His release confirms a new quarterback trio: veteran Russell Wilson, former No. 1 overall pick Jameis Winston, and first-round rookie Jaxson Dart.
- Tight end Greg Dulcich and wide receiver Lil’Jordan Humphrey, both veterans with NFL experience, were also let go.
- Cornerback Tre Hawkins III and wideout Da’Quan Felton landed on waived/injured designations, while promising corner TJ Moore, who had a pick-six in the preseason finale, was placed on injured reserve after undergoing leg surgery.
- Running back Eric Gray (PUP list) and offensive lineman Joshua Ezeudu (injured reserve with designation to return) were sidelined with lingering issues.
In total, 14 of the released players had seen regular-season action for the Giants.
“These days are always tough on players, on their families, on their teammates, on coaches, on staff members,” Daboll said in his Tuesday press availability. “We understand that. That’s the nature of the NFL.”
Daboll on the Process: “It’s About the Players”
While Daboll refused to single out players prior to the official announcement, his remarks painted a picture of a roster he believes is closer to his vision in Year Four.
“I’m happy, like I said, with a lot of the additions we’ve made and the chemistry of the group,” Daboll said. “But again, that’s all talk. You have to go out there and do it at a high level when it matters, which is the regular season. It’s a players’ game and I’m excited for the players that we have on our football team.”
When asked about DeVito specifically, Daboll deferred to the formal release but acknowledged the reality of NFL roster churn:
“Our list will come out at 4 o’clock. We’ll have a presser tomorrow, Joe (Schoen) and I, and that’s when we’ll talk about it.”
Russell Wilson Era Begins
Perhaps the most defining storyline of this roster is the quarterback room. The Giants enter Week 1 with Russell Wilson atop the depth chart, backed by Winston and Dart. Daboll praised Wilson’s steadiness:
“He’s been as consistent as can be since he’s been here. Been a professional in this league a long time. I have a lot of confidence in Russ.”
Daboll added that he has built a “strong relationship” with the veteran quarterback, noting his professionalism and influence on teammates:
“He’s doing everything he can do since he’s been here to be as good a quarterback for us as he can be — and that’s what we expect.”
Draft Class and New Additions Shine
All seven members of the 2025 draft class survived cuts, a clear vote of confidence from the front office. Wide receiver Beaux Collins, a 6-foot-3 target from Clemson/Notre Dame, headlined the rookie group after flashing big-play ability in the preseason, including an 80-yard connection with Wilson against the Jets.
Collins’ special-teams contributions also helped cement his roster spot — a reminder of how often young players earn jobs on the margins.
By the Numbers: The 53-Man Breakdown
Offense (26):
- Quarterbacks (3): Wilson, Winston, Dart
- Offensive Line (10): Anchored by Andrew Thomas, Jon Runyan Jr., and John Michael Schmitz Jr.
- Wide Receivers (6): Collins joins Malik Nabers, Jalin Hyatt, Wan’Dale Robinson, Darius Slayton, and Gunner Olszewski.
- Running Backs (3): Devin Singletary, Cam Skattebo, Tyrone Tracy Jr.
- Tight Ends (4): Daniel Bellinger, Theo Johnson, Thomas Fidone II, Chris Manhertz
Defense (24):
- Defensive Line (6): Dexter Lawrence II leads a deep rotation.
- Outside Linebackers (3): Brian Burns, Kayvon Thibodeaux, Abdul Carter.
- Inside Linebackers (5): Bobby Okereke and Micah McFadden return to anchor the middle.
- Cornerbacks (7): Deonte Banks and Paulson Adebo headline a youthful group.
- Safeties (3): Jevón Holland, Tyler Nubin, Dane Belton.
Specialists (3): Graham Gano (K), Jamie Gillan (P), Casey Kreiter (LS).
Looking Ahead
For Daboll, the balance now shifts from evaluating to preparing.
“Our team meeting today, our walkthrough in a few minutes — that’s the NFL,” Daboll said. “There’s always cut-down dates. We’ll have our team, but there’s always evaluations that take place. Do you want to add this player? Do you want to claim this player? You’re trying to improve any way you can. I’m excited about the guys that are here right now.”
General Manager Joe Schoen and Daboll will meet with reporters Wednesday to discuss the decisions in full. But one thing is certain: the Giants’ 53-man roster is younger, faster, and more aligned with the coaching staff’s identity than in years past. Whether that translates to success in 2025 will be determined soon enough — beginning in Washington in less than two weeks.
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