:format(webp)/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/47482165/usa-today-8297625.0.jpg)
The New York Giants Wednesday filled the roster spot vacated when they waived safety Cooper Taylor earlier this week by signing cornerback Leon McFadden.
McFadden, a 2013 third-round draft choice by the Cleveland Browns, has played 23 regular-season games for the Browns and San Francisco 49ers. McFadden played 16 games for Cleveland in 2013, starting two, but was waived after the season. He played seven games for San Francisco last season. He was with the New York Jets very briefly before landing with the 49ers. He was waived by the 49ers this season and landed on the Arizona Cardinals' practice squad.
Here is what David Fucillo of SB Nation's Niners Nation wrote about McFadden during the offseason:
Why he might improve:
He got a nice chunk of playing time to close out the season. He was a third round pick of the Cleveland Browns in 2013, but was released following a change in the coaching staff. If you are inclined to give him a boost because of draft pedigree, that's certainly something. But specific selection number aside, college scouting reports viewed him as a capable slot corner (NFL.com, Draft Insider, NE Patriots Draft). He is not a huge guy, but has a good combination of traits to overcome that to some degree.
He never found his place with the Browns or Jets, but opportunities abound among a group of 49ers cornerbacks that have plenty of question marks. If he can put those traits together, he could take a step forward.
Why he might regress:
He does not have elite speed, so it is possible his size is just too much to overcome. While some smaller players overcome the doubters, not everybody can overcome it. Additionally, while he enters what appears to be a pretty open competition at cornerback, there are a lot of intriguing young talents in the mix. The numbers game could be tough to overcome with the now healthy group of young cornerbacks.
The Giants, missing Prince Amukamara (pectoral) for several weeks and with Trumaine McBride dealing with a groin injury, also added cornerback Brandon McGree to the roster last week.
The Giants also added tight end Jerome Cunningham, cropped from the 53-man roster last week, and offensive lineman Adam Gettis to the practice squad. Offensive lineman Xavier Proctor was released from the practice squad.