Giants claim defensive lineman C.J. Ravenell off waivers from Titans, adding depth up front

The New York Giants have claimed defensive lineman C.J. Ravenell off waivers from the Tennessee Titans, the teams announced as part of Tuesday’s roster churn. The transaction adds a 6-foot-5, 300-pound body to New York’s defensive front and shifts another player off the active depth chart shortly after the Titans released him from injured reserve.

According to Giants team reporting, Ravenell began his pro career with the Baltimore Ravens as an undrafted free agent in 2024 and spent that season on the practice squad. Tennessee later claimed him, and last season he appeared in 14 games for the Titans, including one start. His stat line for the year included six tackles and a forced fumble.

Giants officials framed the claim as an effort to add interior defensive line depth. Ravenell is expected to compete for a role on a unit that blends established players with offseason roster construction, where availability and practice repetitions often determine who gets opportunities. The waiver claim also reflects how quickly NFL teams respond to changes in the availability of players during the summer.

The move came with a corresponding roster action. New York waived/injured cornerback Rico Payton to make room for Ravenell on the 90-man roster, Giants officials said. Payton played in nine games for the Giants last season and recorded 12 tackles, primarily on special teams, as he worked to carve out a larger defensive role.

It is not uncommon for waiver claims in early training-camp season to come bundled with “make room” decisions, especially when a team is trying to balance developmental prospects against immediate depth needs. For the Giants, Ravenell’s path suggests a developmental profile, one that tends to be evaluated through pass-rush reps, run fits, and how well a player handles coaching adjustments week to week.

From the Titans’ side, waiving Ravenell off injured reserve ends their investment in his immediate availability but does not necessarily close the door on future depth needs. If Ravenell can remain available and perform in practice, the claim gives New York a chance to see whether his burst and length translate into consistent snaps on defense rather than limited action as a rotational piece.

For both teams, the practical storyline to watch next is how the claim affects daily reps. New York will determine whether Ravenell fits its defensive line rotation and scheme needs, while Tennessee will look for other options to fill the same type of gap on the depth chart.