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INGLEWOOD, CA – SEPTEMBER 8: Las Vegas Raiders cornerback Sam Webb 27 during the NFL, American Football Herren, USA game between the Las Vegas Raiders and the Los Angeles Chargers on September 08, 2024, at SoFi Stadium in Inglewood, CA. Photo by Jevone Moore/Icon Sportswire NFL: SEP 08 Raiders at Chargers EDITORIAL USE ONLY Icon20240908175
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INGLEWOOD, CA – SEPTEMBER 8: Las Vegas Raiders cornerback Sam Webb 27 during the NFL, American Football Herren, USA game between the Las Vegas Raiders and the Los Angeles Chargers on September 08, 2024, at SoFi Stadium in Inglewood, CA. Photo by Jevone Moore/Icon Sportswire NFL: SEP 08 Raiders at Chargers EDITORIAL USE ONLY Icon20240908175
New York Giants cornerback Sam Webb has abruptly retired from the NFL just days after signing with the team, ending an unexpected stint that lasted only one pre-season appearance. Despite the headline’s reference to an NFL quarterback, the player involved is a defensive back.
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The 28- year-old was placed on the Giants reserve/retired list after appearing in the team’s pre-season game against the Minnesota Vikings. The Giants signed Webb on Thursday, 13 August, after he had recently been released by the Denver Broncos. He reportedly had only one practice with New York playing 14 defensive snaps against Minnesota.
On Sunday, August 16, the Giants placed Webb on the Reserve/Retired list, removing him from the Giants’ active roster, while the team retains his rights should he decide to return to the NFL.
This timing made the move one of the most unusual developments of the NFL preseason. No public explanation for his retirement had been reported at the time of the roster move.
On the other hand, it has been reported that the Giants filled the opening by signing quarterback Jake Haener. A fourth-round selection by the New Orleans Saints in the 2023 NFL Draft, Haener most recently spent time with the Kansas City Chiefs before joining New York.
They confirmed the roster transaction by placing Webb on the reserve/retired list, but publicly available reports did not identify any specific reason for his decision. It’s therefore very speculative.
Sudden retirements, especially by younger or mid-career players after brief stints, occur from time to time in the NFL for various reasons like physical toll, family considerations, mental health, loss of desire, and more.
At 28, with four seasons of experience and measurable sportsmanship still relatively recent, the timing stands out for its abruptness relative to his short Giants tenure.
Webb’s NFL career has been really impressive
Webb played college football at Missouri Western State before entering the professional ranks. He signed with the Las Vegas Raiders in 2022 and appeared in 17 games during his first season, recording 36 tackles, three pass deflections, and one forced fumble.
After a brief stop with the Carolina Panthers in 2023, Webb returned to the Raiders in 2024 and appeared in 11 games. He did not make a start and finished the season with one assisted tackle and no passes defensed, as most of his work came on special teams rather than defense.
In 2026, he signed with the Denver Broncos but in early August was released after the team added another corner. The Giants signed him shortly after amid secondary depth needs.
Multiple cornerbacks, including Paulson Adebo, Greg Newsome ll and Dru Phillips, had been dealing with injuries or limited practice time during training and early preseason.
Webb’s professional career concludes with tangible contributions, including a defensive score and consistent availability in his strongest seasons, after a decorated college run at Missouri Western. The Giants move forward with preseason preparations, while Webb’s next chapter remains private at this stage.
