New York Jets claim Giants defensive back Corey Ballentine

Joe Douglas and the New York Jets claimed New York Giants defensive back Corey Ballentine a day after he was waived.

Joe Douglas continues to work the NFL’s waiver wire.

The New York Jets have claimed defensive back Corey Ballentine a day after his former team, the New York Giants, waived him.

Ballentine, 24, was selected by Dave Gettleman in the sixth round of the 2019 NFL draft. The Washburn product dressed in 13 games his rookie season, starting just two. He finished the 2019 season with two pass deflections, a quarterback hit and 26 total tackles.

Ballentine’s career started in an interesting way.

On April 28, 2019, just after he had been drafted by the Jints, Ballentine and a friend were shot in Topeka, KS near his alma mater. His friend, Dwane Simmons, was killed, while Ballentine came out of the situation much more fortunate.

The perpetrator was arrested in July 2019.

Ballentine eventually fell out of favor with the Giants which led to his eventual waived status. This season, while he dressed in all nine games, he started just two, coming away with 16 total tackles.

Ballentine can also contribute as a kick returner. He’s racked up 447 yards on 19 attempts over two seasons with the Jints. Perhaps Brant Boyer could use him in multiple spots on special teams in the coming weeks.

Either way, he’ll have an opportunity to play cornerback for a squad in desperate need of players at the position. Pierre Desir and Blessuan Austin have struggled all season, while rookie Bryce Hall is coming off his NFL debut.