The New York Giants brought in a handful of veteran defenders for a tryout Wednesday, per the NFL transaction wire.
The Giants continue to look for defensive depth, specifically along the interior defensive line and in the secondary. Chiefly among those attending the tryout was veteran defensive tackle Benito Jones.
Along with Jones, the Giants also brought in defensive tackles David Blay and Aaron Graves, defensive end Dawuane Smoot and defensive backs Elijah Cup and Eric Rogers.
The Giants also included center Geno VanDeMark in the tryout and wound up signing him to the practice squad.
Giants had this group of players in for tryouts including DT Benito Jones
— Giants Nation Show (@GiantsNationPod) September 2, 2026
Geno VanDeMark was signed to the Practice Squad pic.twitter.com/bEYcCbPhWi
Jones is the
most notable name on the list and perhaps the best fit if the Giants are looking to add some cheap depth to the interior defensive line. He wouldn't change the entire makeup of the room, but he's had experience from his time with the Miami Dolphins and Detroit Lions.
Smoot, 31, is another name to potentially keep an eye on. The former third-round pick recorded 18 total pressures and two sacks on 319 pass-rushing snaps with the Jacksonville Jaguars in 2025, according to Pro Football Focus.
The Giants will continue to tweak the 53-man roster so don't be surprised if they continue to kick the tires on available veterans.
This article originally appeared on Giants Wire: New York Giants hold tryout for DT Benito Jones, other free-agent defenders
