Giants Welcome Back Receiver They Just Cut

There’s a long way to go until the 2025 offseason concludes, roster predictions come in vogue, and preseason games will make or break some crucial decisions late in the summer.

For now, though, the New York Giants have a handful of minor roster shuffles to make, re-arranging names onto and off the 90-man roster.

Among them was cutting veteran receiver Lil’Jordan Humphrey. The former Denver Broncos weapon signed with New York in March and figured to play into the conversation for the bottom of the 53-man roster.

His time without a team didn’t last long. According to Art Stapleton, the Giants re-signed the receiver they recently released, bringing Humphrey back after rookie camp.

He wasn’t the only move of the day, either. Dan Duggan reported that New York signed tryout corner TJ Moore, which means two corresponding cuts should be in the works.

As for Humphrey, his recent adventure isn’t necessarily telling about his fate amongst the Giants’ receivers. The starters are well established. Malik Nabers is a superstar, and Wan’Dale Robinson and Darius Slayton are trusted veterans without much competition.

The rest of the room is far less inspiring. Receiver Jalin Hyatt doesn’t have a real role on the team with Slayton healthy. The team signed Zach Pascal and Montrell Washington, and will return Ihmir Smith-Marsette and Bryce Ford-Wheaton. Undrafted free agent Antwane Wells Jr., a battery mate of quarterback Jaxson Dart at Mississippi, could play himself into a roster spot, too.

Among those names, Humphrey’s path to playing time is his blocking. At 6-4, 210, Humphrey is a physical force who can line up on the perimeter or in the slot and provide an edge in the run game. New York lacked that physicality in 2024. Humphrey also offers trustworthy hands, even if it doesn’t necessarily come through above the rim downfield.

Humphrey’s 4.75-second 40-yard dash paints a harsher picture than his speed deserves, but he is a below-average athlete who’s not winning with his separation skills or downfield potency. If he makes the roster, it’s because of his early-down contributions and potential special teams versatility.

Temporarily releasing him for a couple days in May shouldn’t impact that discussion, should he last until the preseason.