The New York Giants have parted ways with veteran outside linebacker Jihad Ward, releasing him from the active roster just three weeks after adding him from the Minnesota Vikings’ practice squad.
Ward, 32, was originally brought in to help bolster the defense following a season-ending torn ACL suffered by Brian Burns. During his brief second stint with the organization—having previously played for New York through the 2022 and 2023 seasons—Ward was active for three games but saw action in only two. Across 41 defensive snaps on the field, he recorded a single tackle.
The decision to release the veteran reunites him with a familiar path, having previously tied his career high with five sacks last season while playing for the Tennessee Titans under current Giants defensive coordinator Dennard Wilson. Ward entered the league as a second-round pick by the Raiders in the 2016 NFL Draft.
His departure from the active roster could pave the way for outside linebacker Trace Ford to secure a permanent spot on the 53-man roster. Ford, 25, has exhausted his practice squad elevations after appearing in the team’s last three consecutive matchups. During that span, Ford has logged eight tackles across 49 defensive snaps while also contributing significantly on special teams with 78 snaps played.
