The New York Giants made the unpopular and unfortunate decision on Saturday to waive former Kansas City Chiefs linebacker Swayze Bozeman ahead of the team's Week 8 matchup with the Philadelphia Eagles. New York lost 38-20 at the "Linc" and lost star running back Cam Skattebo for the season. They were also lit up by former Giants running back Saquon Barkley for 150 rushing yards, a rushing touchdown, 24 receiving yards, and a touchdown reception.
In a series of moves, the Giants also activated kicker Graham Gano from the injured reserve list and activated receiver Lil’Jordan Humphrey and safety Raheem Layne from the practice squad.
It's a swift change of plans for Bozeman, who seemed set to be a rotation regular when injuries hit the defense.
Former Chiefs LB Swayze Bozeman Got Waived by Giants
Bozeman, a Flora, Mississippi, native who grew up outside of Jackson, went to nearby Southern Miss and played for the Golden Eagles. At USM, Bozeman went "To the Top" on and off the field, being a multi-time member of the Conference USA All-Academic Team and winning the C-USA Fall Spirit of Service Award. For the Golden Eagles, Bozeman had 168 total tackles and 12.5 TFL. 55 of those came during his final year in Hattiesburg.
Fans will remember Bozeman as being one of the lone bright spots for Southern Miss during a trying 3-9 2023 season. The next season, the Golden Eagles went 1-11. In 2022, they won a bowl game.
That was true in a greater sense in the state of Mississippi, too. Helping out a financially depressed area, Bozeman worked with the homeless, was involved with Vacation Bible School at his church, and did work cleaning up the community after natural disasters.
It's hard not to root for a guy like Bozeman, even when he isn't suiting up for your team. The small-town kid left an impression on the Super Bowl 59 Chiefs roster, but more so behind the scenes than anything.
That's what Bozeman's career has been in the NFL. He hasn't been a star player, but he's been a glue guy. Perhaps the Giants released him, knowing their season is going nowhere fast with Malik Nabers and now Skattebo on the sidelines. They were looking competitive to achieve that goal in the weeks prior to his release.
We'll see if Bozeman has another landing spot lined up. Whoever signs him is getting a quality character and active tackler for their practice squad.