The New York Giants are starting to look a lot like a John Harbaugh and Dennard Wilson reunion tour on defense. The team claimed defensive lineman CJ Ravenell off waivers Tuesday, according to Art Stapleton of USA Today. This marks the third time Ravenell has followed one of those two coaches to a new stop.
Ravenell originally signed with the Baltimore Ravens as an undrafted free agent after the 2024 NFL Draft. That’s where he first crossed paths with both Harbaugh and Wilson. Wilson was Baltimore’s defensive backs coach at the time, but the connection stuck. When Wilson took over as defensive coordinator in Tennessee in 2025, the Titans claimed Ravenell off waivers. He played 14 games for them, starting one, and finished with six tackles and a forced fumble.
Not exactly gaudy numbers. But Ravenell clearly has something that resonates with Harbaugh and Wilson beyond the stat sheet. Maybe it’s his motor on special teams. Maybe it’s his practice habits. Either way, he’s now with his third franchise and the third that employs one of those two guys.
Can Ravenell Actually Make the Giants Roster?
That’s the real question. The Titans waived Ravenell off their injured list, so health is a factor. The Giants will need to see him fully cleared before they commit a roster spot. But if he’s healthy, special teams is probably his clearest path to sticking around.
New York’s defense was a mess last season. They finished 28th in total defense, giving up 359.5 yards per game. That’s bad. That’s the kind of bad that gets you a new coaching staff and a complete identity shift. Harbaugh is running the show now, and Wilson is his handpicked defensive coordinator. They’re going to fill the roster with guys they trust, even if those guys aren’t household names.
Ravenell isn’t the kind of signing that moves the needle nationally. But defensive depth matters, especially on a team that needs to rebuild its culture from the ground up. If he can prove he’s healthy and contribute on coverage units, he could carve out a role. It’s happened before for players with a coach who believes in them.
The loyalty goes both ways here. Ravenell keeps landing with Harbaugh and Wilson. They keep bringing him along. That counts for something in a league where roster turnover is constant. Now he just needs to stay on the field.
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