Afamiliar face is back with the New York Giants.
Wide receiver and former All-Pro punt returner Gunner Olszewski, who was released earlier this week, is being re-signed to the Giants 53-man roster.
The team announced a series of moves on Aug. 29. Giants placed cornerback Rico Payton on injured reserve to clear a roster spot for Olszewski. Linebacker Zaire Barnes and offensive lineman McClendon Curtis were signed to the practice squad. And the practice squad contract of linebacker Trace Ford was terminated.
GettyEAST RUTHERFORD, NEW JERSEY – AUGUST 21: Gunner Olszewski #0 of the New York Giants runs with the ball after a catch against the New England Patriots during their NFL Preseason game at MetLife Stadium on August 21, 2025 in East Rutherford, New Jersey. (Photo by Al Bello/Getty Images)
Gunner Olszewski is an Elite Punt Returner
Giants fans are likely most familiar with Olszewski as a punt returner. He returned a 94-yard punt for a touchdown in 2023 against the Los Angeles Rams at MetLife Stadium. The run is one yard short of the franchise record set by Al Bloodgood in 1928.
Olszewski was named the All-Pro punter returner in 2020 while with the New England Patriots. He led the league in punt return yards.
Gunner Olszweski Played Cornerback in College
Olszewski, whose first name is Kaleb, was undrafted out Bemidji State University, a Division II school in Minnesota. He played cornerback while in college. He won conference defensive player of the year his senior year.
He went undrafted in the 2019 NFL draft. He was invited to rookie minicamps by the Minnesota Vikings, who used him at cornerback, but moved to receiver with the Patriots, according to The Providence Journal.
Olszewski remained with the Patriots through the 2021 season before he signed with the Pittsburgh Steelers in March 2022. He also mainly played receiver in Pittsburgh and has limited time at receiver. He was released Oct. 21, 2023, and signed with the Giants two days later.
He returned punts for the Giants in 10 games during the 2023 season but was injured all of the 2024 season.
He was released from the team on Aug. 27 but re-signed two days later, making him one of six receivers on the active roster.
Giants Look for the Receiver Position to Shine This Season
The Giants head into the start of the season at receiver with 2024 first-round pick Malik Nabers leading the charge. The team also has Wan’Dale Robinson, Darius Slayton, Beaux Collins, and Jalin Hyatt.
GettyEAST RUTHERFORD, NEW JERSEY – AUGUST 21: Malik Nabers #1 of the New York Giants celebrates with Jalin Hyatt #13 of the New York Giants after Hyatt’s touchdown catch against the New England Patriots during their NFL Preseason game at MetLife Stadium on August 21, 2025 in East Rutherford, New Jersey. (Photo by Al Bello/Getty Images)
There’s big expectations for Nabers. At least from a fantasy standpoint, the LSU alum has been among the top 5 picks in leagues this year. He looks to avoid a sophomore slump after recording a historic season last year by holding the NFL record for receptions by a rookie wide receiver.
The Giants drafted quarterback Jaxson Dart in the first round, but are starting veteran Russell Wilson, who showed signs of life with the Steelers. Dart shined in the preseason and head coach Brian Daboll will have to entertain public calls all year for Dart to see the field.
The Giants open the season on the road against a division rival the Washington Commanders. Kickoff is Sunday, Sept. 7, at 1 p.m. EDT.
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