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On May 10, Dan Duggan, the New York Giants beat writer for The Athletic, hinted that there might be two roster cuts or changes after the official announcement of the UDFA signings. In the end, Big Blue only needed to make one selection because Jude McAtamney of Rutgers joined the club as a “International Player” and roster exemption rather than as an undrafted rookie.
And when the Giants revealed their 2024 UDFA class on Friday morning, May 10, the one and only defector was made public. With the status of “waived/injured,” veteran running back Deon Jackson was released by the New York Giants.
If Jackson is not claimed, the Giants may place him on a reserve list. Even yet, these situations often result in some sort of injury settlement thus late in the offseason.
To be clear, because McAtamney was given a roster exemption, Big Blue only needed to clear one spot on the 90-man roster instead of two with the signing of quarterback Nathan Rourke and wide receiver Allen Robinson.
Jackson inked a deal with the Giants in October 2023 as a potential pass-catcher out of the backfield. Saquon Barkley made just one appearance and two yards last season, but despite his lack of support from teammates, he was unable to establish himself.
After being cut by the Cleveland Browns, Jackson was claimed off waivers by Big Blue, but he made his biggest impact with the Indianapolis Colts.
The Duke undrafted wide receiver, who battled to be released from the Colts practice squad and started nine games as a rookie, made his professional debut in 2021. After making his 2022 debut, he played in 16 games and finished with a career-high 445 scrimmage yards and two touchdowns, with over half of those yards coming from receptions.
For Indianapolis in his second season, Jackson caught 30 of 34 targets. That was 10 first downs, 209 receiving yards, and one of the two scores.
Jackson has been a significantly less productive runner during his career, averaging just 3.0 yards per rush. Ball security has been his biggest issue. The 25-year-old was cut by the Colts in 2023 after making two appearances in the third season because of two fumbles and a drop. In 2022, he fumbled and dropped as well.
Jackson’s status with the Giants will be monitored after the waiver claim process is through.
