Rico Payton

Cornerback · Pittsburg State

An undrafted Division II standout, Rico Payton went from Pittsburg State to sticking on an NFL roster in his very first training camp.

Rico Payton's road to the NFL ran through Southern Illinois and Division II Pittsburg State, where his ball-hawking play as a team captain caught scouts' attention. He made the New Orleans Saints as an undrafted free agent in 2024 and has since found his way onto the Giants' roster.

★ First-team All-MIAA and team captain at Pittsburg State (2023)

★ AFCA NCAA Division II second-team All-American (2023)

★ Made New Orleans' 53-man roster as an undrafted rookie in 2024

★ 23 tackles and two pass deflections in 2025 with the Giants

Path to the league

Payton redshirted at Southern Illinois in 2018 before transferring to Division II Pittsburg State, where he developed into a playmaking cornerback. In his final 2023 season he posted 35 tackles, five tackles for loss, 16 pass breakups and four interceptions, earning first-team All-MIAA honors as a team captain and a spot on the AFCA's 2023 NCAA Division II All-America second team.

Career highlights

Payton went undrafted in 2024 but impressed enough in camp to make the New Orleans Saints' 53-man roster, playing in all but one game as a rookie. He was later claimed off waivers by the New York Giants in August 2025.

2025 season recap

Payton was waived by New Orleans with an injury designation in August 2025 before the Giants claimed him and placed him on injured reserve. He was activated in November 2025 and finished the season with 23 total tackles and two pass deflections.