The 27-year-old Cager went undrafted in 2020 and bounced around the Jets, Browns, and Giants throughout his NFL career. In his most recent stint with the Giants, he was signed to a one-year deal in the offseason, waived, then re-signed to the practice squad. Cager is now let go from the team’s practice squad with an injury settlement after competing for a tight end spot in the offseason.

With Darren Waller’s recent retirement, the Giants are looking for a reliable pass-catching tight end. “It looked this spring like Cager and fourth-round pick Theo Johnson will be asked” to fill Waller’s role in the New York offense. Giants head coach Brian Daboll said Cager, a converted wideout who has 19 receptions over five NFL seasons, was “probably one of the most improved players throughout the offseason.” ESPN’s Jordan Raanan did not mention presumed starting TE Daniel Bellinger as a candidate to take on pass-catching duties in 2024.

Cager was set to be an exclusive rights free agent this offseason but will be back with the Giants to start 2023. A former wide receiver, Cager caught 13 passes for 118 yards and one touchdown in his first season with the Giants. He'll likely continue in his role as added depth behind Daniel Bellinger.

It looked as if it was a serious hamstring strain on Thursday night. He collapsed on Metlife's turf while running a route. After he left, Jamison Crowder and Jeff Smith operated as the top receivers with Breshad Perriman (hamstring) on the sideline. Cager is a fringe active roster player.