Giants claim DT Robert Thomas off waivers from Carolina Panthers, release Montori Hughes

We may never know how active the New York Giants were on the waiver wire in 2016. It's a blind auction and there are nine teams who have higher priority when it comes to being awarded players.

But we do know they claimed former Carolina Panther, Robert Thomas.

#Giants have claimed DT Robert Thomas, most recently with Carolina

— Art Stapleton (@art_stapleton) September 4, 2016

Thomas is a big, stout nose tackle at 6-foot-3, and weighing in at roughly 330 pounds. He was originally signed by the Washington Redskins as an undrafted free agent out of Arkansas before being signed to the Panthers' practice squad. Thomas was regarded as a team leader at Arkansas and what he lacked in pass rush he made up for with his ability to control blockers.

Carolina has a deep and talented defensive tackle rotation, so Thomas' not cracking their roster might not be an indication of his ability.

In a corresponding move, the Giants released nose tackle Montori Hughes.

This is the spot needed after Giants signed DT Robert Thomas off waivers today. https://t.co/4gXH5dw4Kr

— Paul Schwartz (@NYPost_Schwartz) September 4, 2016

Of the two surprising cuts made by the Giants, Geremy Davis and Andre Williams, Davis was signed to the Giants' practice squad while Williams was claimed by the San Diego Chargers.