Giants agree to one-year deal with linebacker Chandler Martin after Eagles run

The New York Giants have signed linebacker Chandler Martin to a one-year contract, according to ESPN’s Adam Schefter as relayed by Pro Football Rumors on August 17, 2026. The move gives the Giants another option in the linebacker group as training camp turns into the roster decisions that shape each team’s depth chart for the regular season.

Martin’s NFL journey has been defined by quick changes in affiliation. Pro Football Rumors reported that he signed with the Eagles in March, was waived, then rejoined Philadelphia soon after. Even with that second window, he was cut again in June, which extended his time on the free agent market before landing with New York.

For the Giants, the addition is less about a marquee role and more about maintaining flexibility. Linebackers have to clear multiple evaluations across the preseason, including coverage communication, run fits, and special-teams readiness. A one-year deal is common for players who are still proving the consistency required to stick through the cut-down period, particularly when the league’s depth charts are already crowded with incumbent veterans and rookies.

Philadelphia’s part in Martin’s timeline highlights how NFL teams manage developmental talent. When a player receives a new opportunity after a waiver sequence, it usually reflects a belief that he can contribute on the margins, whether on special teams, in sub packages, or during practice to prepare teammates for opponents’ personnel. The fact that Martin returned to the Eagles after being waived suggests he remained within Philadelphia’s internal evaluation range even after an initial roster setback.

From Martin’s perspective, the Giants agreement resets the clock and changes the environment. He is now in a new meeting room, new defensive terminology, and a different coaching emphasis. In the NFL, that can be both an opportunity and a risk: it offers a fresh roster pathway, but it also requires rapid learning and adaptation before preseason snaps become scarce.

The transaction also arrives against a backdrop of routine roster churn. August signings and re-signings often reflect teams’ efforts to keep competition high and avoid a thin group if injuries or performance issues emerge during camp. Because Martin has already been through multiple camp and roster turns, the Giants may see a player who understands the urgency of the evaluation process and how to respond when opportunities appear.

What to watch next for New York is whether Martin can carve out a clear niche on defense and, just as importantly, on special teams. If he can win reps in practice and show reliable execution when the preseason rotations tighten, a one-year deal can quickly become a longer-lasting foothold. If he does not, he may again become a candidate for waiver claims or another short-term landing spot after the cut-downs.