McCloud had been a useful backup cornerback, special teams player
The New York Giants are releasing veteran cornerback/special teamer Nick McCloud, per a report from Jordan Ranaan of ESPN.
McCloud, 26, had played in seven games this season with five starts. He had 14 tackles (1 for loss) and a pass defensed. McCloud had given up 10 completions in 12 targets and had a passer rating this season of 146.5.
Ranaan also reported that the cap-strapped Giants had asked McCloud to take a pay cut from his one-year, $2.985-million contract.
McCloud joined the Giants before the 2022 season after he had been waived by the Buffalo Bills. In two-plus seasons, he played in 38 games for New York with 16 starts.
McCloud had seemingly always been considered a useful defender, but not one the Giants wanted to use as a weekly starter.
The Giants have cornerbacks Art Green and Greg Stroman on their practice squad. Stroman, a seven-year veteran, was activated for the Week 8 game against the Pittsburgh Steelers. He played well in that game, getting most of his playing time after Deonte Banks was benched.
