The New York Giants signed former Long Beach City College, Washington, and North Carolina cornerback Thaddeus Dixon to a three-year undrafted free agent contract worth $3.135 million, including $282,500 guaranteed at signing, along with a $35,000 signing bonus.
Dixon played his lone and final collegiate season with the Tar Heels, totaling 19 tackles, two tackles for loss, and six pass breakups across seven games, missing five contests due to a leg injury. In addition, he suffered a hamstring injury during the NFL Scouting Combine, which played a major role in him being undrafted.
In his rookie season, Dixon was poised to compete for a final spot on the 53-man roster. However, he suffered a massive setback.
New York Giants deliver crushing news to standout UDFA
New York Giants general manager Joe Schoen
Feb 24, 2026; Indianapolis, IN, USA; New York Giants general manager Joe Schoen speaks at the NFL Scouting Combine at the Indiana Convention Center. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images
Thaddeus Dixon suffered a significant lower-leg injury during workouts on Wednesday. According to Ian Rapoport, the standout undrafted free agent suffered an Achilles tear, likely shutting him down for the 2026 NFL Season. The Giants may soon place him on injured reserve, as Achilles injuries typically require 9 to 12 months of recovery.
#Giants CB Thaddeus Dixon, a UDFA from North Carolina, tore his Achilles yesterday during workouts, sources say. An unfortunate injury for a rookie whose hamstring injury helped lead him to be undrafted. pic.twitter.com/0pDQmriXue
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) May 14, 2026
Fans react to the news
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New York Giants quarterback Jaxson Dart (6) takes a self with fans, after Big Blue beat the Dallas Cowboys, 34-17, Sunday, January 4, 2026, in East Rutherford.
Just brutal luck for Thaddeus after already dealing with the hamstring concerns pre draft🙏
— Matt (@MattPicks_) May 14, 2026
That really sucks I thought this guy had a shot to make the team
— Big Blue Wrecking Crew (@dartszn15) May 14, 2026
That sucks bro that’s prob career ending for him
— kelel ware fan (@kelelwarefanfr) May 14, 2026
Not good for the Giants CB room which is already one of the weakest and least amount of depth in the NFL pic.twitter.com/nBKXRfIO6f
— GridironLens (@GridironLens) May 14, 2026
Thats brutal. Didn't even get to play a preseason snap. Football is cold. One workout changed his whole career.
— Ajiboye Joseph (@iambigjoe89) May 14, 2026