Breaking: Giants Waive Owamagbe Odighizuwa [UPDATED]

The New York Giants announced Tuesday that they have waived defensive end Owamagbe Odighizuwa.

The move shouldn't come as much of a surprise. Even before the NFL Monday announced Odighizuwa's four-game suspension for violating the league's performance enhancing drug policy it seemed like a long-shot that he would make the final 53-man roster.

“It is unfortunate that things have gone in this direction,” said general manager Jerry Reese. “But we wish nothing but the best for Owa as we all move forward.”

Asked about Odighizuwa after Tuesday’s practice, head coach Ben McAdoo would not expand on the reasons for letting him go.

“We released a statement on it. It’s unfortunate that it came to this. We thank him for everything that he’s done for the organization. We supported him all along and we’ll continue to support Owa, and I really have no details to offer,” McAdoo said.

The former third-round pick has never lived up to his draft position or his athletic potential since being taken in the 2015 draft. He started his 2017 off-season by tweeting that he would be stepping away from football — the reason for which remains unkown. Even though he eventually returned to the team, Odighizuwa has been lost in the shuffle at the Giants’ crowded defensive end spot.

This move also sheds some light on the reasoning behind the Giants putting in a waiver claim on Kony Ealy when he was released by the New England Patriots.