The New York Giants have focused on upgrading their defense in free agency after a rough 2024 season. The unit struggled, and changes were necessary to improve on their 3-14 record.
One of their first moves was signing offensive tackle James Hudson III, who, coincidentally, drew comparisons to rapper T-Pain for their similar facial features.
T-Pain Reacts to New York Giants Signing His Look-alike, James Hudson III
Hudson agreed to a two-year, $12 million deal with the Giants on the first day of the Legal Tampering Period, though the team officially announced the signing Thursday. Once photos surfaced of Hudson in the Giants’ blue, red, and white, fans on X couldn’t help but notice the resemblance.
“Thought TPain started playing football for a second,” a fan commented.
“I love his music too. Excellent signing,” another fan joked.
T-Pain joined in on the fun, even joking about turning the Giants around.
“I’m finna turn this franchise around,” the rapper announced.
I’m finna turn this franchise around https://t.co/ik0VsAez62
— T-Pain (@TPAIN)
Hudson, a fourth-round pick in 2021, spent four seasons with the Cleveland Browns as a backup tackle. The 6-foot-5, 313-pound lineman has played in 49 games with 17 starts, allowing 79 pressures, 52 hurries, 18 quarterback hits, and nine sacks. He has also committed 17 penalties, accepting 14 of them.
His 2024 season was cut short by a shoulder injury, but he earned a pass-blocking grade of 40.2 and a run-blocking grade of 57.7 from Pro Football Focus. With experience at both left and right tackle—and even as an extra tackle/tight end in jumbo sets—Hudson adds depth to a Giants offensive line that continuously deals with injuries.
Giants’ Free Agency Moves Graded
Notable Signings: CB Paulson Adebo, S Jevon Holland, WR Darius Slayton (re-signed), DT Roy Robertson-Harris, DL Chauncey Golston, P Jamie Gillan (re-signed), QB Tommy DeVito (re-signed), OG Greg Van Roten (re-signed)
Notable Departures: None
MORE: PFSN’s Top 121 Free Agents
Despite last season’s struggles, the Giants haven’t undergone a major overhaul. They retained key players like Slayton, who signed a three-year, $36 million contract. They also brought back backup quarterback Tommy DeVito, but they have yet to secure a starting quarterback. Aaron Rodgers, Joe Flacco, and Russell Wilson are among the potential options.
PFSN’s Stats and Insights team gave the Giants a “B+” for their free agency moves so far, crediting their defensive additions—Adebo, Holland, Golston, and Robertson-Harris—for addressing key weaknesses.
However, that grade could change depending on their quarterback situation. The Giants still have a few offensive needs to fill, but they’re off to a solid start.