The New York Giants have cut backup quarterback Jake Haener on Thursday.
Haener, 27, joined the Giants late in the summer following Brandon Allen’s poor performance in the preseason. The two battled to be the Giants third quarterback behind Jaxson Dart and Jameis Winston, and the Giants ultimately chose Haener.
Haener was cut in the Giants’ final cuts down to their initial 53-man roster, but was signed to their practice squad. He served as the Giants’ primary backup behind Jameis Winston immediately
after Jaxson Dart’s injury and when J.J. McCarthy was still learning the Giants’ offense. He’s since reverted to being the Giants’ 3rd quarterback once McCarthy was elevated to the starting job.
Haener will likely be signed to the Giants’ practice squad.
The move to cut Haener opens a roster spot which could be used by RB Eric Gray or WR Jalin Hyatt following the recent hand injury suffered by returner/receiver Charlie Jones. Jones was seen trying to field punts one-handed in practice, which reportedly didn’t go well.
The Giants also worked out a quartet of veterans on Thursday.
- WR/KR Steven Sims – Sims is a wide receiver and kick returner who has played for the Washignton Commanders (2019-2020), Buffalo Bills (2021 – offseason), Pittsburgh Steelers (2021-2022), Houston Texans (2023-2024), Baltimore Ravens (2024), Seattle Seahawks (2025 – offseason), Arizona Cardinals (2025)
- WR/KR Maurice Alexander – Alexander is a former undrafted free agent out of Florida International who has played for the USFL Philadelphia Stars (2022), Detroit Lions (2022 – 2024), Chicago Bears (2025)
- WR River Cracraft – Cracraft is a 32-year old veteran receiver with return experience. He was an All Pac-12 player who went undrafted due to a knee injury. He’s played for the Denver Broncos (2018-2019), Philadelphia Eagles (2019 – practice squad), San Francisco 49ers (2020-2021), Miami Dolphins (2022-2024), Seattle Seahawks (2025 – offseason), Washington Commanders (2025)
- P Wes Pahl – Pahl, 24, played for Western Kenucky and Oklahoma State over the last four years, averaging 46.1 yards per punt on 116 punts in 52 collegiate games. He was signed by the Cleveland Browns and recently released from their practice squad.
