The Giants opened two roster spots just before training camp by waiving linebacker Cam Jones and defensive tackle C.J. Ravenell . It is not the kind of transaction that takes over a Sunday morning, but the timing is worth watching.
Jones played in 10 games last season and lived almost entirely on special teams. Ravenell had only been with the organization for a few weeks after a waiver claim, then received a non-football injury designation. Neither move changes the starting lineup.
Still, camp is where the bottom of the roster starts telling the truth. Two openings give John Harbaugh and the personnel department room to bring in a player who fits a need they did not solve in the spring.
John Harbaugh addresses reporters after Giants minicamp. Credit: Thomas Salus-Imagn Images via Reuters Connect
Training camp starts Wednesday, and the Giants have no reason to carry a player they do not expect to compete. Jones had an injury issue during minicamp, while Ravenell never had much runway to establish himself.
The obvious possibilities are another receiver, offensive line depth, or an interior defender who can handle early camp reps. The Giants have spent plenty of time building out the skill positions. They still need bodies who can survive the daily grind of practice and make special teams better.
It would be easy to call this ordinary summer churn and move on. Sometimes it is. But teams often make these moves before a workout or waiver claim they expect to matter.
The roster is top-heavy with players who will make the team if healthy. The final spots are going to come down to special teams, positional flexibility and whether a player can contribute without needing a long development period.
The timing gives the Giants two more chances to find somebody who can help in September instead of filling a line on the July roster.
Which position should the Giants target with one of the open spots?
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