The New York Giants re-signed wide receiver Gunner Olszewski on August 4, 2025, as part of a flurry of roster adjustments during training camp at the Quest Diagnostics Training Center in East Rutherford, New Jersey. It wasn’t a splashy signing — no headlines, no draft pick traded — but in the quiet chaos of final roster cuts, Olszewski’s return was exactly what the Giants needed: a reliable, hard-nosed slot option with proven special teams grit. The move came just hours after the team held its seventh full-pad practice of camp, following a rare Wednesday off day. And while fans were busy lining up for autographs with legends like Hakeem Nicks and David Tyree, the front office was quietly solving a deeper problem — a running back corps in crisis.
Why Olszewski? It’s Not Just About Receiving
Olszewski isn’t your typical No. 2 receiver. He’s 28, has played in 62 NFL games across five seasons, and has never topped 500 receiving yards in a year. But here’s the thing: he’s one of the most consistent special teams players in the league. In 2023, he led the NFL in special teams tackles per game. Last season with the Giants, he blocked a punt and returned three kickoffs over 30 yards. When the Giants lost depth at running back — Skattebo and Baker sidelined by injuries, Gray on PUP — they didn’t just need bodies at RB. They needed bodies who could play multiple roles. Olszewski’s ability to cover kicks, return punts, and even occasionally line up in the backfield made him too valuable to let go."He’s the kind of guy you don’t notice until he’s gone," said one assistant coach, speaking off the record. "He’s always in the right spot. Always blocking. Always hustling. That’s worth more than a 60-yard catch in August."
The Running Back Crunch That Shaped the Roster
The Giants’ running back room was already thin before camp. Skattebo suffered a hamstring strain during a July 29 drill, Baker exited a July 31 practice with an ankle sprain, and Gray — the team’s most explosive back — was placed on the PUP list on July 25 after a lingering knee issue resurfaced during offseason workouts. With only two healthy backs on the initial roster — Isaiah Spiller and Joshua Kelley — the team held open tryouts on August 2 and August 3, bringing in six undrafted free agents, including former Buffalo Bills prospect Malik Davis and former Tennessee State standout Deebo Samuel Jr. (no relation to the 49ers star).They didn’t sign any of them. Instead, they shifted focus. Olszewski’s re-signing freed up a roster spot that could’ve gone to a running back, but GM Joe Schoen and head coach Brian Daboll decided to prioritize versatility. The move also allowed them to keep Rico Payton on IR without needing to replace him immediately with a cornerback. Payton, a fifth-year corner, tore his ACL during a one-on-one drill on August 1 — a devastating blow for a player who’d been competing for a starting role.
Training Camp as a Microcosm of the Season
The 2025 Giants training camp wasn’t just about preparing for the season — it was a high-stakes casting call. With 11 free public practices, each sold out or nearly so, the team turned the Quest Diagnostics facility into a fan festival. Ford Motor Company, the presenting sponsor, set up interactive zones where kids could throw passes against holographic defenders. Giants legends signed autographs for hours, but the real drama was happening behind closed doors.On August 4, the Giants announced their 53-man roster — a Tuesday, as expected — and Olszewski was on it. So were two new practice squad additions: tight end Tyler Mabry and defensive back Isaiah Wynn. The cuts were brutal. Five players who’d been with the team since 2024 were released. One, a former third-round pick, was waived after failing a physical. The message was clear: talent matters, but toughness matters more.
What This Means for the Season
Olszewski’s return signals a shift in the Giants’ offensive philosophy. With Justin Jefferson gone to free agency and Devon Johnson still recovering from a Lisfranc injury, the team’s receiving corps is younger and less proven than in years past. Olszewski won’t be the primary target, but he’ll be the safety valve — the guy who catches the slant on third-and-6, the guy who blocks on a screen, the guy who returns a punt when the defense is gassed."He’s not flashy," said Dan Salomone, senior team reporter for Giants.com. "But in a division with the Eagles and Cowboys, where every possession matters, you need players who can make the most of one snap. That’s Gunner."
And that’s why, despite all the noise around draft picks and big-name free agents, this quiet re-signing might be one of the smartest moves the Giants made this summer.
Behind the Scenes: The Calendar That Shaped the Roster
The Giants’ 2025 offseason was tightly scheduled:- April 21: Organized Team Activities (OTAs) began
- May 27–28, 30, June 2–3, 5, 9–10, 12–13: Additional voluntary workouts
- July 26: Training camp opened with public practice
- July 29: Skattebo injured
- July 31: Baker injured
- August 1: Rico Payton tore ACL
- August 4: Olszewski re-signed; roster moves finalized
- August 5: Final 53-man roster announced
Every date mattered. Every injury shifted priorities. And every decision was made under the pressure of a deadline: August 5, when all NFL teams must cut to 53 players.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why didn’t the Giants sign a new running back instead of re-signing Olszewski?
The Giants evaluated six running back tryouts but chose to prioritize depth at special teams and cornerback. With Rico Payton on IR and the team’s secondary already thin, they opted to keep Olszewski — a proven special teams ace — rather than risk a rookie RB who might not contribute immediately. The current RBs, Spiller and Kelley, are expected to handle the load until Gray returns in Week 6.
How important is Gunner Olszewski to the Giants’ special teams unit?
Extremely. In 2024, he played 87% of special teams snaps and led the Giants with 15 tackles on coverage units. He’s also a reliable punt returner, averaging 9.8 yards per return last season. In a league where field position wins games, Olszewski’s presence alone improves the team’s net punting and kickoff return numbers by an estimated 3–4 yards per possession.
What’s the timeline for Gray’s return from the PUP list?
Gray must sit out the first six games of the season due to PUP rules. He’s eligible to return on October 12, ahead of Week 7 against the Washington Commanders. If he clears medical clearance by October 5, he’ll be activated immediately. His absence opens the door for Spiller to be the primary back early on.
Did the Giants consider trading for a receiver before re-signing Olszewski?
They explored options, including a potential trade for former Bengals wideout Ja’Marr Chase’s backup, but no deal materialized. The cost — a 2026 fourth-round pick — was deemed too steep for a short-term fix. Olszewski, on a one-year, $1.1 million deal, offered immediate value without long-term risk.
Why is the Quest Diagnostics Training Center so central to these decisions?
It’s not just a practice facility — it’s the nerve center of the Giants’ entire operation. All roster decisions, injury evaluations, and player evaluations happen here. The team’s medical staff, coaching hierarchy, and front office operate under one roof, allowing for real-time decisions. That’s why Olszewski’s re-signing happened on August 4 — because the entire team was physically present, making it easier to assess needs and execute moves quickly.
How does Ford’s sponsorship impact training camp operations?
Ford’s $5 million sponsorship funds the free public practices, fan zones, and player safety tech like smart helmets and hydration monitors. It doesn’t influence roster decisions, but it does create a more transparent, fan-friendly environment — which helps build goodwill during a rebuilding season. The company also provided 12 new Ford F-150 trucks to players who made the 53-man roster.