Giants waive/injured RB Gary Brightwell, sign DB Elijah Riley,

The New York Giants have signed veteran defensive back Elijah Riley, a free agent after two seasons with the Pittsburgh Steelers, and waived/injured running back Gary Brightwell.

Riley, 6-foot, 205 pounds, has started seven games out of 30 in his professional career. He has played for the Eagles (2020-21), Jets (2021), and Steelers (2022-23). During his time with the Steelers last season, he appeared in a career-high 13 games, seeing the field in 50 defensive snaps and 216 special teams snaps. Riley has spent most of his time at free safety.

While at Army, he was a semifinalist in the Jim Thorpe Award in 2019. This prestigious accolade is presented to defensive backs in recognition of their outstanding on-field performance, athletic prowess, and character.

Brightwell, who the Giants drafted in the sixth round in 2021, played in 37 games as a running back and kickoff returner during his first three seasons.

The Giants are left with a group of young players — Eric Gray, fifth-round pick Tyrone Tracy Jr., Dante Miller and Jashaun Corbin — as potential backups for Devin Singletary.