RICO PAYTON NEWS

Active Sunday Payton (lower body) is active for Sunday's matchup with the 49ers, Dan Salomone of the Giants' official site reports.

Impact The cornerback will make his season debut after landing on injured reserve in late August. Payton will likely play mostly on special teams, though he could see time on defense with Cor'Dale Flott (concussion) and Paulson Adebo (knee) both out.

NOVEMBER 2 • ROTOWIRE

Could return for Week 9 Payton was activated from injured reserve Saturday, Dan Salomone of the Giants' official site reports.

Impact Payton landed on injured reserve with a lower-body injury in late August and could be in line to make his season debut. He would likely contribute primarily on special teams, though the Giants will be without both Cor'Dale Flott (concussion) and Paulson Adebo (knee). Payton officially remains questionable for Sunday's game against the 49ers, so his status will not become clear until shortly before kickoff.

NOVEMBER 2 • ROTOWIRE

Designated to return Payton (hamstring) was designated to return from the injured reserve list Wednesday, Art Stapleton of The Bergen Record reports.

Impact The Pittsburgh State product has yet to play this season due to a hamstring injury, but it now appears he's nearing a return. Payton appeared in 16 games for the Saints last season and played 242 special-teams snaps, recording 11 total tackles. He now has 21 days to be added to the Giants' active roster before reverting to IR, and he'll likely have a similar role once fully healthy.

OCTOBER 29 • ROTOWIRE

Going to IR The Giants placed Payton (undisclosed) on their injured reserve list Friday, Dan Salomone and Matt Citak of the team's official site report.

Impact Payton was claimed by the Giants from waivers Wednesday after the Saints cut him Tuesday, but he's now going straight to the injured reserve list. Because of the timing of the transaction, he'll have to stay there until the end of the 2025 season unless he works out an injury settlement with his new team.

AUGUST 29 • ROTOWIRE

Giants re-sign WR Gunner Olszewski, add 2 to practice squad; CB Rico Payton to IR Olszewski made the initial 53-man roster, which was announced Tuesday afternoon, but was released the following day.

AUGUST 29 • GIANTS.COM

Scooped by Giants Payton (illness) was claimed off waivers by the Giants on Wednesday, Mike Garafolo of NFL Network reports.

Impact Payton was waived by the Saints on Tuesday but found a new home in the Big Apple. Through 16 games last season, Payton mostly played on special teams but recorded 11 tackles (six solo). He'll likely serve in a similar role in New York.

AUGUST 28 • ROTOWIRE

Giants Claim Two Defensive Backs Including CB Rico Payton The New York Giants officially claimed two players off waivers on Wednesday, including DB Beau Brade from the Ravens and CB Rico Payton from...

AUGUST 27 • NFLTRADERUMORS.CO

Active for preseason opener Payton (illness) was active for the Saints' 27-13 preseason loss to the Chargers on Sunday.

Impact Payton was battling an illness at practice ahead of the contest, but he was ultimately able to give it a go, recording a solo tackle and a pass defensed against Los Angeles. The 25-year-old is competing for a depth role at cornerback this season, and he will now look to build off his performance when the Saints face the Jaguars on Sunday.

AUGUST 12 • ROTOWIRE

Sideliend by illness Payton did not practice Friday due to an illness, Jeff Nowak of Audacy Sports reports.

Impact Payton contributed almost exclusively on special teams in 2024 and is likely set for the same role in 2025. There's no timeline for his return, but his absence will likely be brief.

AUGUST 9 • ROTOWIRE

Recap: Saints, Ochsner refurbish Tad Gormley Stadium on Day of Service The New Orleans Saints and Pelicans staff members teamed up with Ochsner to host a joint Day of Service on Saturday, May 31, 2025. Saints Se...

JUNE 20 • NEWORLEANSSAINTS.COM

Photos: Saints, Ochsner host Day of Service at Tad Gormley Stadium The New Orleans Saints and Pelicans staff members teamed up with Ochsner to host a joint Day of Service on Saturday, May 31, 2025. Saints pl...

MAY 31 • NEWORLEANSSAINTS.COM

Photos: Kellen Moore, Rico Payton speak at 2024 Enterprise Scholar Athlete Banquet The New Orleans Saints hosted the annual Enterprise Scholar Athlete Banquet at the Ochsner Sports Performance Center on Friday, April 11, 20...

APRIL 12 • NEWORLEANSSAINTS.COM

Photos: Rico Payton visits annual Tulane Book Festival New Orleans Saints cornerback Rico Payton joined fans and organizations at the annual Tulane Book festival on Saturday, March 29, 2025.

MARCH 29 • NEWORLEANSSAINTS.COM

Will play vs. Atlanta Payton (back) is active for Sunday's game against the Falcons.

Impact Payton missed the Saints' Week 9 loss to the Panthers due to a back injury, but he will play Sunday after being a limited practice participant all week. Payton has logged four tackles (three solo) and one pass defense through eight regular-season games.

NOVEMBER 10, 2024 • ROTOWIRE

Could return in Week 10 Payton (back) is listed as questionable ahead of Sunday's matchup against the Falcons.

Impact Payton missed the Saints' Week 9 loss to the Panthers after sustaining a back injury the game prior, but he practiced in a limited fashion throughout the week, giving himself a chance to play Sunday. If the Pittsburg State product is unable to go in Week 10, expect Ugo Amadi and Shemar Jean-Charles to see increased work with the Saints' first-team defense.

NOVEMBER 8, 2024 • ROTOWIRE

Inactive Week 9 Payton (back) will not play in Sunday's matchup with the Panthers.

Impact Payton has primarily been a special teams contributor for New Orleans this season, but could have seen a bigger role with Kool-Aid McKinstry (hamstring) and Marshon Lattimore (hamstring) also out. As a result, New Orleans figures to be thin in the secondary.

NOVEMBER 3, 2024 • ROTOWIRE

Leaves game with injury Payton exited Sunday's 26-8 loss to the Chargers with a back injury, John Hendrix of SI.com reports.

Impact The cornerback did not record a stat before leaving the field. Payton has played mostly on special teams this year with a little defense mixed in, recording four tackles (three solo) and a pass breakup.

OCTOBER 27, 2024 • ROTOWIRE

Rico Payton's blitzing sack delivers rude awakening for Malik Willis on QB's first snap | Saints-Titans Highlights | 2024 NFL Preseason Week 3 New Orleans Saints defensive back Rico Payton's blitzing sack delivers a rude awakening for Tennessee Titans quarterback Malik Willis' first...

AUGUST 25, 2024 • NEWORLEANSSAINTS.COM

Rico Payton's first interview with New Orleans Saints New Orleans Saints undrafted free agent signing Rico Payton talks to the local media for the first time after being signed by the Saints. Pa...

MAY 2, 2024 • NEWORLEANSSAINTS.COM