The New York Giants entered the day third in waiver priority and used that to add two defensive backs to their roster.
After making their claims, the Giants were awarded safety Beau Brade and cornerback Rico Payton off of waivers.
Following the 2024 NFL draft, the 23-year-old Brade signed with the Baltimore Ravens as an undrafted rookie free agent out of Maryland, where he was a teammate of current Giants cornerback Deonte Banks.
The 6-foot, 209-pound Brade appeared in 11 games as a rookie, recording three tackles (one solo). He took just 11 snaps on defense, surrendering one reception for 30 yards on one target. He also took 207 special teams snaps, recording a Pro Football Focus grade of 53.5.
Payton, 25, also went undrafted in 2024, signing with the New Orleans Saints as a rookie free agent out of Pittsburg State.
The 6-foot, 182-pound Payton appeared in 16 games, recording 11 tackles (six solo) and one pass defensed. He did not surrender a reception on two targets.
Payton took 21 snaps on defense and 245 special teams snaps, where he earned a PFF grade of 59.0. He also earned a defensive grade of 66.2, courtesy of PFF, including a tackling grade of 72.5.
In corresponding roster moves, the Giants terminated the contract of wide receiver Gunner Olszewski and waived rookie cornerback Korie Black.
This article originally appeared on Giants Wire: New York Giants claim Beau Brade, Rico Payton off waivers
Reporting by Dan Benton, Giants Wire / Giants Wire
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
