Giants sign DT Justin Ellis to one-year deal

Free agents who played for either the Buffalo Bills or Baltimore Ravens at any point over the past few seasons may want to expect a call from the New York Giants this spring.

Per NFL Network's Ian Rapoport, the Giants are signing former Ravens defensive tackle Justin Ellis to a one-year deal. Zack Rosenblatt of NJ Advance Media for NJ.com adds Ellis will likely earn "around a minimum-type salary." 

Ellis spent the past three seasons with the Ravens, where he played under current Giants defensive coordinator Don "Wink" Martindale, who held that same role in Baltimore. The 31-year-old tallied 18 total tackles during the 2021 campaign, but Rosenblatt notes that Martindale referred to Ellis as a "stud" nose tackle as recently as November. 

"He’s been that way throughout the year, as well as the others that we’ve been calling on up front. And I’m really happy for him, too," Martindale said of Ellis. 

Ellis follows in the footsteps of ex-Baltimore pass-rusher Jihad Ward, who signed with the Giants earlier this week. The Giants are expected to be linked with multiple defensive linemen in mock drafts through the bulk of next month. 

Big Blue general manager Joe Schoen and head coach Brian Daboll joined the organization from the Bills in January and have brought in familiar names such as running back Matt Breida and journeyman quarterback Tyrod Taylor.