The New York Giants made a minor transaction on Thursday, signing defensive back Elijah Riley and waiving running back Gary Brightwell with an injury designation.
The 25-year-old Riley originally signed with the Philadelphia Eagles as an undrafted free agent out of Army in 2020. After being moved to their practice squad in 2021, he was signed by the New York Jets to their active roster.
From 2022 through 2023, Riley played for the Pittsburgh Steelers.
In 30 career games (seven starts), Riley has recorded 62 tackles (31 solo, five for a loss), one pass defensed, two QB hits and 2.0 sacks.
Throughout his four-year career, the 6-foot, 205-pound Riley has taken 460 defensive snaps and 316 special teams snaps. He earned an overall Pro Football Focus grade of 79.8 last season (84.5 in coverage).
Riley is a Port Jefferson native.
Brightwell, a sixth-round pick in the 2021 NFL draft, appeared in 37 games for the Giants as both a running back and kick returner.
If Brightwell clears waivers (injury undisclosed), he will revert to injured reserve (IR) within 24 hours. He will then be eligible for an injury settlement.
