NEW YORK — Kelvin Benjamin may have set a new Giants record on Wednesday for fastest training camp cut.
Head coach Joe Judge pulled Benjamin aside to talk to the converted tight end at around 9:30 a.m. during the warmup period of the Giants’ first camp practice.
GM Dave Gettleman then hurried out of the building to join them, walking in such a hurry that his hat blew off his head. He didn’t even stop to pick it up.
What ensued was an animated, 15-minute conversation that ended with Benjamin taking his helmet off and leaving the field, followed by the GM.
Hours later, the Giants released Benjamin, 30, a former Gettleman first-round pick in Carolina who was here looking for a second chance.
It wasn’t immediately clear what the three men had discussed, nor what had led to Benjamin’s abrupt departure and release.
Benjamin hasn’t played in the NFL since 2018. The Giants signed him in May but intended to give him a shot at tight end instead of his natural position, wide receiver.
Judge had to coach up the 6-5, 245-pound Benjamin several times in the spring, teaching him fundamentals and seemingly reinforcing them when the initial lessons didn’t take.
For now, the Giants’ healthy tight end depth chart includes Evan Engram, Kaden Smith, Levine Toilolo, Cole Hikutini and Nakia Griffin-Stewart.
Free-agent signing Kyle Rudolph (foot) was on the field but not in uniform, working with the rest of the players on the physically unable to perform list. It could be a while until Rudolph is back on the field due to his spring foot surgery.
Rysen John practiced but was placed on the COVID-19 reserve list in the afternoon.
