Jon Endow-Imagn Images

Giants claim two underrated depth pieces off waivers to fill key roster needs ahead of 2025 NFL season

Originally posted on A to Z Sports | By Joe DeLeone | Last updated Aug 27, 2025 3:56 PM ET

The New York Giants announced their initial 53-man roster yesterday, but they've already made two key adjustments through waivers. Today, they added defensive backs Beau Brade and Rico Payton to address depth in their secondary.

After the Giants announced their roster yesterday, the most significant focal point was whether they would look to add another safety and cornerback. During the preseason, it was apparent that the current group would not be sufficient when backups entered the game.

Another blatant indicator was the Giants' only listing three safeties in the group, as they'd likely need to find a fourth through waivers.

Safety Beau Brade

Brade was an undrafted free agent in the 2024 NFL Draft, coming out of Maryland, and signed with the Baltimore Ravens. Despite contributing in 11 games with the Ravens, he couldn't do enough this preseason to crack one of their deepest position groups.

The 6'1", 200lbs safety had a significant role for the Ravens on special teams, but only contributed 11 total snaps on defense. With those plays, he registered two tackles.

The #Giants claimed former Maryland Terrapin and Baltimore Raven safety Beau Brade to their active roster.

The 23 year old had a good preseason by many accounts.

He flies into the screen (right side) to force a STOP in run support against Washington. pic.twitter.com/0ktQPjOkGO
— Nick Falato (@nickfalato) August 27, 2025

Cornerback Rico Payton

Payton was also a 2024 UDFA, signing with the New Orleans Saints out of Pittsburg State. An impressive preseason last year earned him an opportunity on the final 53-man roster.

Like Brade, Payton was mainly a special teams player but did log 19 snaps with no tackles in 2024.

Rico Payton all over the punt return pic.twitter.com/ofDg6keS0z
— Saints Film Room (@SaintsFilmRoom) December 1, 2024

Our Saints writer, Adam Holt, indicated that Payton was a surprise cut by the team after he defied expectations in 2024:

"Rico Payton was a depth cornerback for New Orleans last season, who played in sixteen games for the Saints a season ago. Payton jumped onto the scene last year with an incredible preseason and held his own a fair amount during the regular season - when thrust into duties because of injuries. Payton’s special teams abilities hold value as well. He played 57% of snaps on ST last season. Payton was a player I thought would make the Saints 53-man this season as well, but an improved preseason from Rejzohn Wright stole away his depth spot in New Orleans. I believe Payton’s skillset can absolutely keep him around on the Giants depth chart this season."

It appears that Payton was a valued member of the Saints' roster, and the Giants may have sniped him while the Saints attempted to move him to their practice squad.

Ultimately, both players were brought in to round out the Giants' special teams lineup and to provide emergency coverage at their respective positions. Both players stepped up when needed on defense and were high-effort players on special teams.

This article first appeared on A to Z Sports and was syndicated with permission.

More must-reads: