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 spe

See Full Page