The New York Giants signed defensive tackle C.J. Ravenell off waivers on Tuesday, adding the 6-foot-5, 300-pound lineman to their 90-man roster. To accommodate the move, the team placed cornerback Rico Payton on the waived/injured list. The transaction reunites Ravenell with defensive coordinator Dennard Wilson, who previously worked with the player during their shared tenure with the Tennessee Titans.
Who is C.J. Ravenell?
C.J. Ravenell enters the Giants’ defensive rotation as an undrafted free agent out of Missouri Western State. During his time with the Tennessee Titans last season, Ravenell appeared in 14 games, including one start. According to team data, he recorded six tackles and forced one fumble across 97 defensive snaps. Before joining the Giants, Ravenell spent time with the Baltimore Ravens during their 2025 training camp.
The Giants’ defensive staff has significant institutional knowledge of Ravenell. Defensive coordinator Dennard Wilson previously held the same position with the Titans, while head coach John Harbaugh oversaw Ravenell’s development during his stint with the Ravens earlier in 2025.
How are the Giants rebuilding their defensive line?
The Giants have aggressively overhauled their defensive front throughout the current offseason. The roster shift includes the high-profile trade of Dexter Lawrence and the departures of Rakeem Nunez-Roches and D.J. Davidson in free agency. Additionally, the team moved on from Elijah Chatman and lost Roy Robertson-Harris to injury.
To fill these vacancies, the organization has turned to a mix of veterans and draft picks. The current defensive line room includes D.J. Reader, Shelby Harris, Leki Fotu, Sam Roberts, Zacch Pickens, and Josh Fotou. The team also invested in the 2025 NFL Draft, selecting Bobby Jamison-Travis in the sixth round.
What is the status of Rico Payton?
The Giants waived cornerback Rico Payton with an injury designation to clear space for Ravenell. Payton originally joined the New York roster after being claimed off waivers from the New Orleans Saints. He appeared in nine games for the Giants during his tenure with the club.
Comparison: Roster Turnover
| Status | Player Name |
|---|---|
| Acquired | C.J. Ravenell |
| Waived/Injured | Rico Payton |
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did the Giants sign C.J. Ravenell?
The team is looking to bolster its defensive line depth following several offseason departures and injuries. Ravenell’s familiarity with defensive coordinator Dennard Wilson’s scheme from their time in Tennessee likely influenced the decision.
What does “waived/injured” mean?
When a player is waived/injured, they are released from the active 90-man roster while carrying an injury. If they clear waivers, they typically revert to the team’s injured reserve list.
How many games did C.J. Ravenell play for the Titans?
Ravenell appeared in 14 games for the Titans last season, recording one start.
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