The New York Giants today signed veteran defensive back Elijah Riley, who was a free agent after spending the past two seasons with the Pittsburgh Steelers. In a corresponding move, the Giants waived/injured running back Gary Brightwell.
Riley, 6-0 and 205 pounds, has made seven starts in 30 career games for the Eagles (2020-21), Jets (2021), and Steelers (2022-23). He played a career-high 13 games last season with Pittsburgh, lining up for 50 snaps on defense and 216 on special teams.
View the best photos from the NFL career of defensive back Elijah Riley.
A native of Port Jefferson, N.Y., Riley played in 44 games (32 starts) in his four-year career at Army (2016-19). He was one of 14 semifinalists for the 2019 Jim Thorpe Award, which is given to a defensive back and is based on performance on the field, athletic ability, and character. In June 2019, a new policy was created to allow athletes from the service academies to defer their service while they pursue pro careers.
Brightwell, a sixth-round pick by the Giants in 2021, appeared in 37 games over his first three seasons as a running back and kickoff returner.
View photos of every move made by the Giants during the 2024 cycle.