NEWS FLASH: The New York Giant Star Is Returning…
Dan Duggan, the beat reporter for the New York Giants (The Athletic), dropped a hint on May 10 that there would be two roster cuts or moves following the formal announcement of the UDFA signings. With Jude McAtamney of Rutgers joining the team as a “International Player” and roster exemption rather than as an undrafted rookie, Big Blue ultimately only had to make one selection.
And the lone defection was made public on Friday morning, May 10, when the Giants unveiled their 2024 UDFA class. The veteran running back Deon Jackson has been released by NYG with the label of “waived/injured.”
The Giants will have the option to move Jackson to a reserve list if he is not claimed. Even yet, at this point in the offseason, these circumstances frequently lead to some kind of injury settlement.
To clarify, with the additions of quarterback Nathan Rourke and wide receiver Allen Robinson, Big Blue only had to clear one slot on the 90-man roster as opposed to two, because McAtamney was granted a roster exemption.
In October 2023, Jackson signed a contract with the Giants as a possible pass-catching option out of the backfield. But despite Saquon Barkley’s lack of support from teammates last season, the NFL journeyman was unable to establish himself after making just one appearance and two yards.
Jackson was acquired by Big Blue off waivers following his release by the Cleveland Browns, but it was with the Indianapolis Colts that he truly established himself.
The Duke undrafted wide receiver made his professional debut in 2021 after battling to be cut from the Colts practice squad and starting nine games as a rookie. Following up on his 2022 debut, he recorded a career-high 445 scrimmage yards and two touchdowns in 16 games; nearly half of those yards were gained as a reception.
In his second season, Jackson caught 30 of 34 targets for Indianapolis. That was 209 receiving yards plus one of the two touchdowns, along with 10 first downs.
With just 3.0 yards per rush across his career, Jackson has been a far less effective runner. His main problem has been ball security. After making two appearances in year three, the 25-year-old was released by the Colts due to two fumbles and a drop in 2023. He also experienced a drop and a fumble in 2022.
We’ll see if Jackson remains with the Giants organization following the conclusion of the waiver claim procedure.
