The New York Giants’ early-August tryout session must have been one hell of a workout. It originally produced three signings (two cornerbacks and a center), but general manager Joe Schoen has now returned to that same list for a fourth. As first reported by Aaron Wilson of KPRC2, the team is signing former Los Angeles Chargers defensive back J.T. Woods to fill a newly open roster spot:
#Giants are signing J.T. Woods following his visit, per a league source. @KPRC2
— Aaron Wilson (@AaronWilson_NFL) August 9, 2026
This move comes right as injuries are starting to fester in the Giants' secondary. Expected starting slot corner Dru Phillips is dealing with ongoing knee issues that have been keeping him off the practice field. To make matters worse, the team waived backup defensive back Jarrick Bernard-Converse with an injury designation last week.
Woods feels like your classic late-offseason signing who faces a metaphorical uphill climb to make the final roster, even though we all know the odds aren't in his favor.
Since he was signed right after training camp wrapped up, Woods missed out on a ton of reps and chances to impress the coaching staff. He's coming to East Rutherford because the Giants currently have a need for healthy bodies, meaning it's pretty much preseason or bust for the 26-year-old.
J.T. Woods’ Giants roster hopes start and end with special teams
The Los Angeles Chargers originally took the former Baylor safety in the third round (79th pick) of the 2022 draft. The Bolts fell victim to lust after he lit up the 40-yard dash at the combine with a track-speed-esque 4.36-second time. But he never found his groove in LA, playing in just 13 games over two years due to injuries and poor technique.
Ever since, Woods has bounced around the league, moving from practice squad to practice squad (Eagles, Bears, Seahawks, Raiders, and Jets), unable to find a home.
His best chance to buck the P-squad trend will be embracing special teams. Head coach John Harbaugh is a special-teams guy at heart, and Woods has the athletic profile -- and size (6-foot-2, 195 pounds) -- to at least warrant a look in the third phase.
New York almost had to add someone to the defensive back room because the backend of the depth chart is starting to look shaky. While listed as a safety, Woods has the profile to slide into the nickel spot if need be -- he was also cross-trained a bit during his time with the Chargers.
Ar'Darius Washington is currently the main guy backing up Phillips. The 5-foot-8, 180-pounder can handle the job, but to say he's a beacon of health himself would be wishful thinking at best.
The Giants also can't look to their other recent signings for slot relief. Both D.J. James and David Long -- who signed earlier out of the same workout pool -- are outside cornerbacks. Neither guy has the experience or the skill set to come inside and play the slot if Washington goes down, too.
Woods isn’t here to shake up the 53-man roster. He's a late-offseason roster addition brought in to get through the rest of the summer before the season starts. If he can turn his track speed into some value on special teams, all hope is not lost. But... if not, his time in East Rutherford will probably be just another quick pitstop.
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