BREAKING: ‘This is sad’ Giants confirm the release of 26-year-old talented player

The New York Giants are releasing veteran edge rusher  before Week 8, as reported by ESPN NFL insider Jeremy Fowler. This decision seems to align with the signing of Armon Watts to the active roster, which was noted by ESPN’s Jordan Raanan on October 21.

“[The] team [is] giving [the] former Day 2 pick [a] chance to get [a] fresh start elsewhere,” Fowler added while relaying the departure on October 22, “but [Basham is] welcome back on the practice squad.”

You may remember that the Giants acquired 26-year-od in a trade in August 2023, just over a year ago.

“Updated tally in his trade,” Raanan reminded after news of the cut. “Giants received: 12 tackles, 0 sacks, seventh round pick in 2025. [Buffalo] Bills received: sixth round pick in 2025.”

While the Giants didn’t give up much to acquire Basham, a former second-round pick by the Bills in 2021, it still reflects another misstep by general manager Joe Schoen. These decisions are beginning to accumulate in his third year.

Giants Beat Reacts to Boogie Basham Cut

As reported by New York Post journalist Ryan Dunleavy, “Joe Schoen was involved in drafting Basham for the Bills.” This led to Basham playing 194 defensive snaps in 2023, but under new coordinator Shane Bowen, his playing time dropped significantly to just 16 snaps in 2024.

According to New York Post reporter Ryan Dunleavy, “Joe Schoen was involved in drafting Basham for the Bills.” This involvement led to Basham playing 194 defensive snaps in 2023, but his role diminished significantly to just 16 snaps in 2024 under new coordinator Shane Bowen.

Dan Duggan of The Athletic noted that it wasn’t a good sign for Basham that the Giants elevated OLB Tomon Fox twice, making Basham a healthy scratch. The team also claimed OLB Patrick Johnson off waivers in Week 3, who immediately played while Basham remained inactive.

Duggan also mentioned it was surprising that Basham lasted this long, considering the Giants’ tight salary cap situation (down to $1.4 million in cap space). Fox’s cap hit would be about $500,000 cheaper.

Lastly, Art Stapleton from NorthJersey.com emphasized that even with Kayvon Thibodeaux on IR and Brian Burns dealing with an injury, Basham couldn’t find a spot in the lineup.

Overall, it marks a disappointing conclusion for one of Schoen’s reunions with former Bills players in New York.