Giants roster news: Giants sign DB Chris Johnson, claim TE Jake Hausmann

The New York Giants have announced the signing of defensive back Chris Johnson. They also claimed tight end Jake Hausmann off waivers from the Detroit Lions.

Johnson was originally signed by the Houston Texans as an undrafted free agent out of the University of North Alabama following the 2019 NFL Draft.

Johnson didn’t make it through final cuts that year but was signed to the Texans’ practice squad. He has also spent time on the practice squads of the Philadelphia Eagles and New Orleans Saints.

At 6-foot-2, 202 pounds, Johnson will likely assume the role of safety and special teams player for the Giants — though it is interesting that he is listed by the team as a “defensive back”. He has a reputation as a great athlete, running a solid 4.61 second 40 yard dash with impressive short shuttle and 3-cone drill times. Johnson turned a 4.41 second short shuttle and a 6.82 second 3-cone drill at his pro day, both of which would have been above average for a safety at the NFL Scouting Combine.

Hausmann, 6-4 and 255 pounds, joined the Lions as a rookie free agent on May 14 and was waived Friday. An outstanding blocker, Hausmann caught just three passes for 26 yards and one touchdown – on a 4-yard reception at Rutgers in 2019 - in 27 career games. He played just five games as a senior in 2020.