The New York Giants claimed former New Orleans Saints cornerback Rico Payton off waivers earlier this week. Payton is a 6-foot-0, 182-pound cornerback who primarily plays on the outside. He initially attended Southern Illinois, but spent much of his college career at Division II Pittsburgh State.
Payton had a productive college career. He forced 26 pass breakups with five interceptions through four seasons of play (2020 was the COVID year). After going undrafted in 2024, the 25-year-old appeared in 16 games for New Orleans as a rookie, logging a pass breakup and 12 total tackles (10 solo) on special teams — he played 245 snaps on special teams.
After another solid camp, Payton struggled in the preseason, posting a 56.1 overall defensive grade compared to an 83.0 in 2024, per PFF.
He spent some time injured during training camp, which may have factored into the decision to waive the fan favorite, who the Orleans faithful grew to appreciate. That, combined with Rejzohn Wright’s stellar offseason, looks to have cost Payton his roster spot.
Caleb Yaccarino of SB Nation’s Saints’ page Canal Street Chronicles wrote this about Payton’s ascension as an undrafted rookie last summer.
And PFF tweeted this:
Payton impressed the Saints coaching staff in 2024 and is still a young player with developmental traits. I break down those traits in the video below. Please like, share, and subscribe!
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