SAD NEWS: John Mara, Owner of the New York Giants, Passes Away Due to…

On May 10, Dan Duggan, the New York Giants beat writer for The Athletic, suggested that there might be two roster cuts or changes after the official announcement of the UDFA signings. Ultimately, Big Blue only needed to make one adjustment because Jude McAtamney of Rutgers joined the team as an “International Player” and roster exemption rather than as an undrafted rookie.

When the Giants revealed their 2024 UDFA class on Friday morning, May 10, the single defector was announced. Veteran running back Deon Jackson was released by the New York Giants with the status of “waived/injured.”

If Jackson goes unclaimed, the Giants may place him on a reserve list. However, these situations often result in some form of injury settlement this late in the offseason.

Since McAtamney received a roster exemption, Big Blue only needed to clear one spot on the 90-man roster instead of two, even with the signing of quarterback Nathan Rourke and wide receiver Allen Robinson.

Jackson signed with the Giants in October 2023 as a potential pass-catcher out of the backfield. Despite Saquon Barkley’s limited appearance and two yards last season, Jackson was unable to establish himself due to lack of support from teammates.

After being cut by the Cleveland Browns, Jackson was claimed off waivers by Big Blue but made his most significant impact with the Indianapolis Colts.

The Duke undrafted wide receiver fought to be released from the Colts’ practice squad and started nine games as a rookie, debuting professionally in 2021. In 2022, he played in 16 games, finishing with a career-high 445 scrimmage yards and two touchdowns, with over half of those yards from receptions.

In his second season with Indianapolis, Jackson caught 30 of 34 targets, resulting in 10 first downs, 209 receiving yards, and one of the two scores.

Jackson has been a less productive runner, averaging just 3.0 yards per rush. Ball security has been his main issue. The 25-year-old was cut by the Colts in 2023 after two appearances in his third season due to two fumbles and a drop. He also fumbled and dropped in 2022.

Jackson’s status with the Giants will be monitored after the waiver claim process concludes.