As previously discussed on Gridiron Heroics, the New York Giants have recently bolstered their interior defensive line this offseason. The team signed DJ Reader, Shelby Harris, and Leki Fotu, claimed Zacch Pickens off waivers from the Kansas City Chiefs, and drafted Bobby Jamison-Travis in the sixth round. Due to the recent additions and exceeding the 90-player limit, the Giants were forced to release several players.
New York Giants suddenly cut DT with 3 career starts
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Jul 24, 2024; East Rutherford, NJ, USA; New York Giants defensive tackle Elijah Chatman (94) runs on the field during training camp at Quest Diagnostics Training Facility. Mandatory Credit: Vincent Carchietta-USA TODAY Sports
According to Dan Salomone of the team’s website, the Giants have released four players, including Elijah Chatman. Because he has fewer than four accrued seasons, one to be exact, he will be subject to the waiver wire for the next 24 hours. If a team claims Chatman, they would essentially inherit a one-year, non-guaranteed $1.075 million contract. If he clears waivers, he will become an unrestricted free agent and is free to sign with any team.
The Giants have released the following players:
▪️LB Swayze Bozeman
▪️DL Elijah Chatman
▪️WR Courtney Jackson
▪️DL Marlon Tuipulotu pic.twitter.com/3s7lPnC8pX
— Dan Salomone (@Dan_Salomone) May 7, 2026
Here’s a quick review of his NFL career
Cleveland Browns, Deshaun Watson
Sep 22, 2024; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; New York Giants defensive tackle Elijah Chatman (94) celebrates after sacking Cleveland Browns quarterback Deshaun Watson (not pictured) during the first quarter at Huntington Bank Field. Mandatory Credit: Ken Blaze-Imagn Images
The Giants signed Elijah Chatman as an undrafted free agent in 2024. Chatman had a solid rookie season, making the 53-man roster and carving out a rotational role. He recorded 21 tackles, two tackles for loss, 19 pressures, three quarterback hits, and one sack across 17 games, including three starts, and accounted for 423 defensive snaps.
Chatman did not make the 53-man roster in his second season and re-signed with the practice squad. He was elevated to the gameday roster three times and later promoted to the active roster after exhausting his practice squad elevations. He recorded three tackles and one pressure in five games and 83 defensive snaps.
Detroit Lions, DJ reader
Detroit Lions nose tackle DJ Reader (98) warms up before the NFL game against the Tennessee Titans at Ford Field in Detroit on Oct. 27, 2024.
DJ Reader
Shelby Harris
Roy Robertson-Harris
Darius Alexander
Leki Fotu
Sam Roberts
Zacch Pickens
Bobby Jamison-Travis
Ben Barten (UDFA)
Anquin Barnes Jr. (UDFA)