Giants Add Punt Returner Ihmir Smith-Marsette

Smith-Marsette was part of a workout group hosted by the Giants on Monday.

Aug 24, 2024; Orchard Park, New York, USA; Carolina Panthers wide receiver Ihmir Smith-Marsette (11) returns a kickoff against the Buffalo Bills in the second quarter pre-season game at Highmark Stadium. / Mark Konezny-Imagn Images

The New York Giants, in desperate need for a punt returner with experience, have signed Ihmir Smith-Marsette.

Smith-Marsette was originally a fifth-round draft choice by the Vikings in 2021. A receiver by trade, he has appeared in 33 games with one start for four different teams: Vikings (2021-2022), Bears (2022), Chiefs (2022-2023) and Panthers, who released him at the end of August.

LAst season, the 6-1, 185-pound Smith-Marsette  appeared in 17 games for the Panthers. He returned 37 punts for 322 yards (8.7-yard average), including a 79-yard touchdown in Week 10 at Chicago.  As a receiver, he has 14 career receptions for 182 yards and two touchdowns (long of 44 yards) to go with nine rushing attempts for 73 yards.

Smith-Marsette  is a native of Newark, N.J. He played his college ball at Iowa, where his 28.7-yard career average on kickoff returns ranked second all-time in the Big Ten. His 3,409 all-purpose yards also ranked 10th in program history.

In other Giants transactions, New York placed linebacker Carter Coughlin (pectoral) on the practice squad/injured list, and signed linebacker Curtis Bolton, who had previously been on their 53-man roster until his release on Saturday to the practice squad.

Coughlin’s injury is season-ending. 

Gunner Olszewski, the Giants regular punt returner, reinjured his groin during Sunday’s pregame warmups. Head coach Brian Daboll said Olszewski would be out for “weeks” while recovering from the setback. 

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