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The New York Giants have announced that they have agreed to terms with returner and wide receiver Richie James Jr.
Reports: We've agreed to terms with WR/Return Specialist Richie James Jr.
— New York Giants (@Giants) March 25, 2022
: https://t.co/zndm6c7ssR pic.twitter.com/O0i24lFGRt
James Jr. was originally drafted by the San Francisco 49ers out of Middle Tennessee in the seventh round of the 2018 NFL Draft.
He was primarily a returner for the 49ers, with 51 punt returns and 47 kick returns in his three years with San Francisco. James averaged 7.3 yards per punt return, with a long of 32, and 23.0 yards per kick return, including one 97-yard return for a touchdown in 2018. James saw some use as a receiver in 2020, with 23 receptions on 35 targets for 394 yards (17.1 per catch) and a touchdown. Much of that came in a game against the Green Bay Packers on Thursday Night Football in which James caught 9 passes for 184 yards and a touchdown.
James was waived with an injured designation on August 28th of 2021, and was placed on the injured reserve following knee surgery.
The Giants re-signed special teams ace and WR C.J. Board on March 14th, and the two could be in direct competition for a roster spot.
Regardless, this is a low-cost move that should help the Giants improve their offensive depth and potentially find a long-term answer for punt and kick returns.
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