The NY Giants faithful received the unfortunate news that linebacker Jarrad Davis suffered a season-ending knee injury during OTAs and has been placed on the injured reserve list. With about seven weeks to kickoff and training camp around the corner, the G-Men need to add a replacement for depth purposes as soon as possible.
Before that, though, the team announced on Tuesday that they had inked a contract with XFL Arlington Renegades' defensive back Darren Evans. Evans becomes the 31st XFL player and the second Renegades player to sign with an NFL team since the end of last season.
Roster Moves:
— New York Giants (@Giants) July 19, 2023
DB Darren Evans - Free Agent Signing
LB Jarrad Davis - Reserve/Injured
DB Leonard Johnson - Waived/Injured pic.twitter.com/kXua6pdRdM
Evans significantly impacted the Renegades' championship run, appearing in all 12 games and recording a season-high five tackles in the title-clinching victory over D.C. United.
The Baton Rouge, La., native played collegiately at Nicholls State and LSU before signing as an undrafted free agent in 2022 with the Giants. After not making the team's 53-man roster at the beginning of last season, Evans signed with the Renegades.
Why does Darren Evans make sense for Big Blue?
With consistent injury concerns on both sides of the ball, this move makes sense for the New York Giants and adds to their depth for the secondary.
The expectation is that Deonte Banks and Adoree' Jackson will still be starting at each cornerback position come the Giants' Week 1 matchup against the Cowboys. All eyes will be on first-round selection Banks; the rookie CB stood out for Wink Martindale during OTAs. While Evans may not be considered a star, he is a playmaker who will take advantage of the opportunities he gets with Big Blue in the future.
In fact, he made one of the biggest plays of the XFL season against the San Antonio Brahmas. With the clock winding down in Week 5, Evans intercepted a pass from Jack Coan to lead the Renegades to their third win.
The @Giants sign former @XFLRenegades and @XFL2023 Champion DB Darren Evans.
— peter (@sinatraswinery) July 19, 2023
Played 7 games for the 2023 XFL Champions.
Including a game-sealing INT in Week 5 against Hines Ward’s San Antonio Brahmas.#NYGiants https://t.co/nJo9Y0SLaG pic.twitter.com/5noSlBABbv
Evans is just another example of how the XFL has helped unleash the potential of young football players and transition their careers professionally. Who knows, this could be the first of many XFL players that the Giants will sign. Keep an eye on Evans at camp.
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