Every year, the New York Giants sign a significant number of undrafted rookies following the NFL Draft in the hopes of finding a gem who everyone else overlooked.
Big Blue's 2025 class had several exciting names that were relentlessly passed on -- 257 players were taken over draft weekend.
But not all prospects are treated the same. Some are given higher signing bonuses and guaranteed money than others. But that doesn't automatically translate to on-field results, or does it? Let's look at last year's group of undrafted rookies who got the biggest bags. I'm not saying 2025 was a money pit... but.
One year is a small sample size to fully analyze, but the initial results leave a lot to be desired.
Beaux Collins, WR - $270,000
The G-Men signed Notre Dame wideout Beaux Collins immediately after the 2025 draft for $3.001 million. Collins brought a big 6-foot-3 frame to a receiver room that lacked size. His blocking skills at Clemson and Notre Dame made him a favorite of then-head coach Brian Daboll. He outperformed expectations by becoming the only 2025 undrafted free agent to make the 53-man roster.
Collins played nine games --mostly on special teams -- before a Week 9 concussion/neck injury ended his rookie season.
The 23-year-old is still with the G-Men for the 2026 offseason. He's been making waves at OTAs. The second-year receiver was most recently seen on the sidelines at minicamp, nursing an undisclosed injury. He'll need a lotta bit of luck if he wants to crack the depth chart. Big Blue revamped the room this offseason, making it even more difficult for the 2025 UDFA to make the team.
Da'Quan Felton, WR - $264,000
New York made adding perimeter size an obvious priority by also signing Virginia Tech weapon Da'Quan Felton. The towering 6-foot-5 playmaker commanded a $2.995 million contract with $264,000 guaranteed.
But an undisclosed injury in August derailed the rookie season before it ever got started. He missed all preseason, resulting in the Giants waiving him during roster cuts, placing the physical specimen on injured reserve for the entire 2025 season.
The wideout is not with the team following his release in April. That led to him looking for greener turf on the other side of MetLife to sign with the New York Jets in June, but Big Blue's little brother waived Felton just days later. The 25-year-old is still searching for his next opportunity as a free agent.
Antwane Wells Jr., WR - $259,000
Tell me the Giants regretted not drafting a wide receiver in 2025 without telling me.
Antwane "Juice" Wells Jr. joins the run on receivers, becoming the third-highest paid UDFA of the 2025 class. While Collins and Felton brought physically imposing size, the former USC and Ole Miss playmaker brought a potential upper hand, having spent his final college season catching balls from new rookie quarterback Jaxson Dart.
The past connection didn't do anything to help him with a roster spot, as the 25-year-old spent the season on the practice squad before being released in October.
The 6-foot slot receiver is no longer in the NFL -- he spent the spring with the Columbus Aviators of the UFL. He finished the season with 25 receptions for 237 yards and two touchdowns.
Jaison Williams, OT - $165,000
After the G-Men bled the undrafted wide receiver pool dry, they pivoted to the offensive line by securing Youngstown State tackle Jaison Williams. The versatile 6-foot-4, 320-pound lineman started at every position on the line except center. That versatility made the FCS All-American a priority signing.
However, he lacked functional strength, failed to stick, and was eventually waived during final roster cuts in August last year.
Williams latched on with the Saskatchewan Roughriders of the Canadian Football League in February 2026. The former Penguin is currently trying to stick in the CFL while hunting for a future path back to the states. That's now three guys who couldn't cut it.
O'Donnell Fortune, CB - $165,000
After ponying up over $900K to offensive players, Big Blue finally turned to the defensive side of the ball by locking up South Carolina cornerback O'Donnell Fortune. Only Jahdae Barron and Travis Hunter had a better Pro Football Focus coverage grade than Fortune. He really came onto the scene with a pick-six that earned defensive MVP honors at the East-West Shrine Bowl.
However, a lack of top-end recovery speed, a crowded secondary, and inconsistent play did him no favors. The rookie failed to lock down a spot and was ultimately waived.
There must be something in the water in Columbus, because the 6-foot-1, 185-pound corner took his fortunes to the Aviators, like Wells did, spending 2026 in the UFL. The former Gamecock will turn 25 before the 2026-27 season kicks off, which will make it harder for a "developmental" cornerback to find NFL work.
Makari Paige, SAF - $165,000
The defensive overhaul continued with Michigan safety Makari Paige. The 6-foot-4 defender arrived fresh off a national championship run. The rookie impressed during the preseason, snagging an interception against the Jets. But much like everyone else on the list, roster math squeezed him out during 53-man cuts.
Looking for another shot at an active roster, Paige signed with the Pittsburgh Steelers this past May. His time in the Steel City was short-lived -- he was released just a few weeks later. The 24-year-old is a free agent as minicamps start up. He'll look to find a spot on a 90-man summer roster somewhere before training camps get going in July.
Let's hope the 2026 UDFA class can do better than the 2025 class. It's always an uphill battle going undrafted, but still... only one of the top six highest-paid rookie free agents is a brutal batting average.
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