The New York Giants lost a prospect on October 17, as undrafted rookie Alex Cook was poached off of the practice squad by the Carolina Panthers.
Carolina team reporter Darin Gantt announced the news, noting that “the Panthers added some much-needed safety depth [on] Tuesday.”
The 24-year-old UDFA spent the past five years at the University of Washington and was converted from wide receiver to defensive back early on. Since 2019, he’s focused on defense, accumulating 139 total tackles (4.5 for a loss) and one interception over 30 college appearances.
Cook offered an interesting skillset that could potentially develop at the NFL level. He logged 14 total tackles as a Giant during the 2023 preseason, and was voted a team captain by his Washington Huskies teammates in 2022.
Giants Have Open 53-Man Spot & Practice Squad Role Ahead of Week 7
Big Blue waived offensive lineman Jalen Mayfield on October 16, and the big man could certainly rejoin the practice squad in place of Cook. ESPN’s Jordan Raanan even called it “likely” that he re-signs.
Having said that, there are currently several other shortlist practice squad candidates being that the Giants hosted seven workouts on Monday of Week 7.
And if veteran offensive lineman Justin Pugh signs to the active roster as some expect, that would free up a second practice squad job that needs filling.
New York Daily News reporter Pat Leonard noted that “Pugh and the Giants talked transparently entering this [practice squad agreement].” The initial test was proving he was healthy, which he did in spades against the Buffalo Bills.
“This is simply phase 2 of what he [and] the Giants already discussed,” Leonard clarified, hinting that a signing could be on the way.
Of course, the G-Men could also sign another quarterback if they feel Daniel Jones might miss more time. Veteran Matt Barkley and 2021 fourth-round talent Ian Book were among the tryouts on October 16, although the following morning on the 17th, Raanan reported that neither is “expected to sign” at this time.
Like Heavy.com’s content? Be sure to follow us.
This article was originally published on Heavy.com
The post Giants 24-Year-Old Rookie Poached by Panthers: Report appeared first on Heavy.com.
