Montrell Washington has been quietly stacking plays all New York Giants camp. Every day, it’s something... a tough sideline grab, a clean route in red zone drills, some moment that forces a second look. He’s not running with the ones often, and he’s buried on the depth chart, but if you’ve been paying attention, you’ve seen No. 80 flying around the field.
Washington hauled in a ridiculous one-handed grab while falling backwards during 7-on-7s. The clip made the internet rounds (below), but it was his electric quote after practice that deserves just as much, if not more, attention.
One-handed snag 🔥 pic.twitter.com/E9IXDpKdKt
— New York Giants (@Giants) August 4, 2025
“I’m just trying to make a play to get on the team,” Washington said to reporters. “My motto is, ‘A play a day keeps the coaches away.’” If he doesn't make the team, at least he'll have a career in coming up with some sweet knock-off, football-inspired proverbs.
Montrell Washington is doing everything he can to be impossible to ignore
It’s clear Washington isn’t letting any moment go to waste. Every opportunity with any unit is a shot to show he belongs. His quote wasn’t just for show. This is a guy who’s been cut before. He knows how quickly a roster spot is lost. He knows what it looks like when someone else takes your spot.
He’s been flashing legitimate chemistry with Jaxson Dart, and it’s not just a one-time thing. Every few days, there’s another clip of Washington going up top, and Dart dropping it in. They’ve quietly been the second-most consistent QB-WR duo in camp, which probably isn’t something anyone expected.
With Darius Slayton and Beaux Collins sidelined, Washington’s gotten some first-team reps. He’s absolutely earned it. And he’s not just coasting off one circus catch either. He’s been having a truly great camp, finding soft spots in coverage, winning his matchups, and showing he might be more than a special teams guy playing under the title of receiver.
This isn’t his first rodeo, but it’s probably his most important one. It's time for him to stick. Since being drafted by the Broncos in 2022, he has gone from practice squad to practice squad, failing to land a role. The former Samford standout hasn't had a reception since 2022, but after a few forgotten years with the Chiefs, he's looking to finally lock in that ever-elusive roster spot in New York.
“I want to be that starter. I want to be that guy to make the play, which I know I can,” Washington said. “So, I’m just trying to do whatever I can to be out there on Sundays with the 53.”
So far, he’s making a pretty convincing case. Washington’s message is simple. And even if nothing about his situation is, he’s showing exactly what it takes to hang around. For anyone trying to fight their way into the 53, this is how you do it.