The Giants re-signed kick returner Ihmir Smith-Marsette, The Athletic reported on Wednesday.
A Newark native who went to Weequahic High School, Smith-Marsette impressed in his first year with Big Blue, which featured a 100-yard kickoff return for a touchdown in the Giants' surprising 45-33 victory over the Indianapolis Colts in Week 17. He logged 228 punt return yards and 381 kick return yards in his 15 games in 2024.
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The 25-year-old has four years of NFL experience with the Minnesota Vikings, Chicago Bears, Kansas City Chiefs — the team he won a Super Bowl with in 2022 — and the Carolina Panthers.
He played college ball at the University of Iowa and was named Big Ten Return Specialist of the Year in 2018. He was a fifth round pick by the Vikings in the 2021 NFL Draft.
He has been adamant about wanting to earn a regular spot in the offense next season. He has a small offensive sample size in the NFL.
In his 42 NFL games, Smith-Marsette has just 14 passes for 182 yards and two touchdowns. He’s rushed nine times for 73 yards and one TD.
The Giants have five returning wide receivers from last season — Malik Nabers, Darius Slayton, Wan’Dale Robinson, Jalin Hyatt and Bryce Ford-Wheaton.
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Ryan Novozinsky may be reached at rnovozinsky@njadvancemedia.com. You can follow him on X@ryannovoNFL