In a surprising move, the New York Giants have decided to waive second-year quarterback Davis Webb, per Jordan Raanan of ESPN.
Webb, a third-round pick just last season by previous GM Jerry Reese, did not play at all during his rookie year as they planned to develop him as a potential successor to Eli Manning. He spent the entire offseason working as the backup to Manning, ahead of rookie Kyle Lauletta and Alex Tanney, who are still on the roster.
Per Raanan, the Giants had shopped Webb prior to his release, with the Oakland Raiders one particular team they had talks with. But the two teams were unable to strike a deal for Webb, and the Raiders ended up trading a sixth-round pick to the Buffalo Bills for backup QB AJ McCarron instead.
Webb could still make his way back to the Giants via the practice squad in the near future if he clears waivers. But if he doesn’t, the Giants’ backup situation behind the 37-year-old Manning becomes a bit more uncertain.
Lauletta, the team’s fourth-round pick this year, will likely not be ready for any meaning playing time as a rookie should Manning go down for any amount of time. Meanwhile, the 30-year-old Tanney has not made any significant mark since entering the league in 2012.
Aside from Webb, the Giants also released veteran offensive tackle John Jerry and safety William Gay, as well as tight end Jerrell Adams. Meanwhile, they claimed six players off waivers, headlined by former second-round defensive end Mario Edwards Jr., who was cut by the Raiders.
