Giants Cut LB Carter Coughlin

The move could signify an incomping punt returner with Gunner Olszewski still ailing.

Jul 24, 2024; East Rutherford, NJ, USA; New York Giants linebacker Carter Coughlin (52) participates in drills during training camp at Quest Diagnostics Training Facility. / Vincent Carchietta-Imagn Images

The New York Giants announced that they have cut inside linebacker Carter Coughlin.

Roster Move: The Giants released LB Carter Coughlin. pic.twitter.com/GEkReQ5eDg

— Dan Salomone (@Dan_Salomone) September 5, 2024

Coughlin, one of three Giants’ seventh-round draft picks in 2020 (No. 218 overall), played his college ball at Minnesota. He initially sought to establish himself as a versatile linebacker capable of playing inside and outside. Over time, he became more of a special teams contributor.

Coughlin played 20 percent of the defensive snaps as a rookie, the highest percentage in his NFL career. As he gravitated more toward special teams, Coughlin (no relationship to former head coach Tom Coughlin) led the Giants in special teams tackles the last two seasons, notching 16 total over that period (nine last year) as a core member of the unit. 

On defense, Coughlin recorded 41 career tackles, 31 solo with two tackles for a loss. He appeared in 55 games with two starts.

The Giants didn’t announce a corresponding move, but the trimming of Coughlin could mean that the team is looking to add a return specialist from the group they worked out last week, a move that would come about given that punt returner Gunner Olszewski is still gimpy with a groin injury suffered earlier in the summer.

Olszewski is one of four players on this week's injury report, listed as a limited participant on Wednesday and Thursday. Thursday's listing is a projection since the Giants didn't practice.

Coughlin is expected to be signed to the practice squad.

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