Rookie cornerback Korie Black has signed with the New York Jets’ practice squad just days after being released by the New York Giants, in a move that highlights the rivalry between the two franchises.

Black, a seventh-round draft pick of the Giants, initially secured a place on their 53-man roster this week. However, he was waived on Wednesday as the team attempted to clear space, with plans to re-sign him to the practice squad once he passed through waivers. Instead, the Jets stepped in and added him to their own practice unit, according to reports.

The 23-year-old was seen by the Giants as a player who could provide depth in a thin cornerback group while also contributing on special teams. His decision to remain in New York but switch allegiances across town is unlikely to be welcomed by the Giants’ front office.

The Giants made the roster adjustment in order to sign cornerback Rico Payton, a special teams player who had been waived with an injury designation by the New Orleans Saints. While it is common for injured players to revert to the practice squad, the Giants seized the chance to bring in Payton, having monitored him for more than a year.

Although Payton’s injury is expected to keep him sidelined for several weeks, the Giants could have moved him to injured reserve and then re-opened a roster spot for Black. The team has used similar procedural moves before, including with veteran Gunner Olszewski, who was released with the understanding that he would quickly return.

In Black’s case, once he cleared waivers he was free to negotiate elsewhere. The Jets’ recent exposure to him during joint practices and a preseason game against the Giants is believed to have influenced their decision to act swiftly.

Black takes the practice squad slot previously set aside for Jarrick Bernard-Converse, who was claimed off waivers by the Cleveland Browns. The Jacksonville Jaguars also attempted to claim Bernard-Converse, a sixth-round draft pick in 2023.

The Jets currently have five cornerbacks on their 53-man roster, with Black now adding depth to their practice squad.

For the Giants, the move means Black becomes the first of general manager Joe Schoen’s 31 draft selections not to play in a regular-season game for the team. All seven rookies from the 2025 draft class had initially made the roster, while two picks from 2023 — Tre Hawkins and Jordon Riley — were released.