Giants release edge rusher Jihad Ward after two games
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The gist
The New York Giants released outside linebacker Jihad Ward on Tuesday morning, per multiple reports.
The 32-year-old edge rusher had joined from the Vikings' practice squad in late September.
Background
Jihad Ward is a 32-year-old outside linebacker and edge rusher, listed at 6-foot-5 and 285 pounds, who was a second-round pick (No. 44 overall) of the Raiders in 2016 and has played for seven different teams across 11 NFL seasons. The New York Giants signed him off the Vikings' practice squad in late September 2026 after teammate Brian Burns suffered a season-ending ACL tear. His second stint with the Giants lasted two games, in which he recorded one tackle.
How it unfolded
- 2016Ward was a second-round pick (No. 44 overall) of the Raiders.
- 2022Ward joined the Giants on a one-year deal, finishing with 43 tackles and three sacks in all 17 games with 11 starts.
- Sep 28, 2026Giants player Brian Burns suffered a season-ending ACL tear.
- late September 2026The Giants signed Ward off the Vikings' practice squad.
- Oct 18, 2026Ward played in the Giants' home loss to the Saints in East Rutherford, N.J.
- Oct 20, 2026The Giants released Ward on Tuesday morning, per multiple reports.
Who’s saying what
- Official
- SNY reporter Connor Hughes first reported that the Giants were cutting Ward, a move confirmed by multiple reports.