The New York Giants did a 180 in just 48 hours — releasing Gunner Olszewski on August 27, then re-signing him to their 53-man roster on August 29, 2024. Why? Because when you’ve got a proven punt returner who can flip field position in a heartbeat, you don’t let him walk — not even for a couple of days. The move, announced at 11:57 AM UTC from the team’s communications office at 555 Washington Boulevard in Jersey City, New Jersey, underscores a simple truth in the NFL: special teams win close games. And Olszewski? He’s one of the best in the business.
Why Olszewski? The Numbers Don’t Lie
Let’s be clear — this wasn’t a panic move. The Giants cut Olszewski as part of standard roster trimming after training camp, but the reality set in fast: who else can reliably field punts under pressure? His 2023 season with the Giants was quietly brilliant — 10 games, 11.9 yards per return, and that 94-yard touchdown against the Los Angeles Rams at MetLife Stadium on October 29, 2023. One yard shy of the franchise record? That’s the kind of play that gets fans out of their seats and opponents nervous. He’s not just a returner — he’s a weapon.His 2020 All-Pro season with the New England Patriots — 35 returns, 411 yards, two touchdowns — still echoes through league film rooms. That’s why New York Giants special teams coordinator Thomas McGaughey didn’t hesitate to bring him back. The team’s current WR corps — Malik Nabers, Jalin Hyatt, Devin Duvernay, Darius Slayton, Jauan Jennings, and now Olszewski — is deep, but only one of them has the kind of game-breaking speed on kickoffs and punts that can swing momentum in a tight fourth quarter.
The Roster Dominoes: Payton, Barnes, Curtis, and Ford
To make room for Olszewski, the Giants placed Rico Payton, the 23-year-old cornerback they’d just claimed off waivers from the San Francisco 49ers on August 27, onto injured reserve. Payton never suited up for New York — a cruel twist for a player who likely thought he’d earned a roster spot. His injury, undisclosed, adds another layer to the team’s thinning depth at cornerback.
On the practice squad, the Giants added Zaire Barnes, a 23-year-old linebacker out of Western Michigan University, and McClendon Curtis, a 24-year-old offensive lineman from Appalachian State University. Both bring versatility — Barnes as a coverage linebacker, Curtis as a backup interior lineman. In contrast, Trace Ford, a linebacker who’d been on the practice squad since July, was released. The move suggests the Giants are prioritizing depth along the offensive line as they head into a season where protecting Daniel Jones is critical.
Behind the Scenes: The Giants’ Operational Machine
It’s easy to forget how much infrastructure supports these roster moves. The New York Giants operate out of the Quest Diagnostics Training Center in East Rutherford, New Jersey, a 100,000-square-foot complex built in 1987. The team’s front office — led by President John Mara and General Manager Joe Schoen — made this call with the 2024 opener against the Minnesota Vikings in mind. That game, scheduled for September 8, 2024, at MetLife Stadium, will be the first real test of their revamped special teams unit.
And make no mistake — this isn’t just about Olszewski’s speed. It’s about reliability. In 2023, the Giants ranked 27th in the NFL in net punting average. That’s a recipe for long drives and short fields. Olszewski’s presence could change that. He’s not just a returner — he’s a field-position architect.
What’s Next? The Season Opens in 10 Days
The Giants’ 2024 campaign begins under pressure. After missing the playoffs in 2023, expectations are rising. The offense has talent, but the defense remains inconsistent. That’s where special teams become the hidden X-factor. Olszewski’s return gives the Giants a dynamic element they’ve lacked since Kadarius Toney’s departure. With the NFL season running from September 5 to January 5, every game matters — especially those decided by a single possession.
As Olszewski prepares for his second stint with the Giants, he’s not just chasing stats. He’s chasing legacy. The 95-yard return record set by Al Bloodgood in 1928? It’s still standing. Maybe this year, he’ll finally break it.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did the Giants release Gunner Olszewski just two days before re-signing him?
The Giants released Olszewski during final roster cuts to meet the 53-man limit, a routine step teams take to evaluate depth. But after realizing their punt return options were weak — and with no other returner showing consistent reliability — they quickly reversed course. Olszewski’s proven track record made him too valuable to lose, even briefly.
How does Olszewski’s return impact the Giants’ special teams strategy?
Olszewski’s return gives the Giants their first true game-breaking punt returner since 2020. With his speed and vision, he can turn a 5-yard return into a 40-yard gain, forcing opponents to kick away from him. This allows the Giants’ coverage units to play more aggressively, knowing they have a safety net in the return game.
What’s the significance of the 94-yard punt return touchdown in 2023?
That 94-yard return against the Rams was the longest in the NFL for the Giants since 2014 and the second-longest in franchise history. It came on a critical third-quarter drive, shifting momentum and energizing the team. It also proved Olszewski can perform under pressure — a trait the Giants desperately need as they chase a playoff spot in 2024.
Who is Rico Payton, and why was he placed on injured reserve?
Rico Payton, a 23-year-old cornerback acquired from the 49ers on August 27, was immediately placed on IR after suffering an undisclosed injury during practice. His release clears a roster spot for Olszewski but leaves the Giants thin at corner, especially with Darnay Holmes also battling a hamstring issue. Payton’s injury is a setback, but the team hopes he’ll return later in the season.
How does this affect the Giants’ chances in the 2024 season?
Re-signing Olszewski significantly boosts the Giants’ special teams, which has been a weak link. A strong return game can offset offensive struggles and give the defense better field position. With a favorable early schedule and a home opener against the Vikings, this move could be the quiet spark that helps the Giants make a playoff push.
Is Gunner Olszewski likely to be a starter on offense too?
Unlikely. Olszewski is primarily a return specialist and depth receiver. With five other wideouts ahead of him on the depth chart — including top picks like Malik Nabers — his role will be focused on special teams. He’s not expected to be a primary target, but his ability to stretch the field on gadget plays could surprise opponents.
