2021 NFL Free Agency: Giants do not tender LB Devante Downs

Multiple outlets, including the NFL transaction wire, have reported that the New York Giants have elected to not place tenders on linebacker Devante Downs and CB Ryan Lewis, making both players unrestricted free agents.

Downs was originally drafted by the Minnesota Vikings in the seventh round of the 2018 NFL Draft (225th overall). Downs was waived by the Vikings in final cut downs that year, ultimately landing on their practice squad before being briefly promoted to their main roster and subsequently waived again in September.

The Giants signed him to their own practice squad the next week, eventually promoting him to their own roster. Downs primarily played special teams for the Giants, but found himself in their starting line-up against the Pittsburgh Steelers in week 1 of 2020. Downs recovered a punt muffed by Dionte Johnson in the Giants’ 26-16 loss.

Downs ultimately started 8 games for the Giants at linebacker, and is credited with 33 total tackles, 1 quarterback hit, and 1 pass defensed.