Giants Release Jihad Ward After Two-Game Stint
The veteran linebacker was re-signed in late September but was cut Tuesday.
The New York Giants have released veteran linebacker Jihad Ward, concluding his second brief tenure with the team. Ward appeared in just two games after being signed off the Vikings’ practice squad in late September.
His return to the Giants was prompted by the season-ending ACL tear suffered by Brian Burns. Ward played in the Giants' Week 5 tie against the Commanders and their Week 6 loss to the Saints. In those two games, he registered one tackle against Washington while playing 23 defensive snaps and four on special teams. He played 18 defensive snaps against New Orleans without recording a tackle.
Ward, 32, was originally a second-round pick by the Raiders in 2016. He has played for seven NFL teams over 11 seasons. His first stint with the Giants in 2022 saw him record 43 tackles and three sacks in 17 games, including 11 starts, and contributing to their playoff run.
He returned to the Giants in 2023, tallying 24 tackles and five sacks. Ward then played for the Vikings in 2024 and the Titans last season before his recent short return to New York.