Giants release Kelvin Benjamin on first day of camp, ending former receiver's comeback as tight end

Benjamin last played in the NFL in 2018

So much for Kelvin Benjamin's comeback story. Less than three months after signing the former Panthers wide receiver, who was attempting to revive his NFL career as a tight end following a three-year hiatus, the Giants have released the former first-round pick. On Wednesday, Benjamin was seen leaving practice early on the first day of New York's training camp following what several reporters described as a lengthy and heated conversation with coach Joe Judge and general manager Dave Gettleman. Now, he's off the depth chart before even kicking off a projected competition at tight end.

Benjamin, 30, took the field with the Giants Wednesday morning. Reports indicate, however, that Judge and Gettleman began meeting with the one-time Florida State standout before warm-ups had even concluded. At the end of their conversation, Benjamin removed his helmet and walked alone, off the field and back into the Giants' facilities.

Benjamin originally signed with New York in May following a workout, and was set to compete with reserves Kaden Smith and Levine Toilolo for a backup role behind Evan Engram and Kyle Rudolph. He was last seen in the NFL as a reserve wideout for the Chiefs in 2018. A first-round pick of the Panthers, he spent nearly four years in Carolina, topping 1,000 yards as a rookie before injuries and reported conditioning issues led to a decline in production. He was traded to the Bills in 2017, going on to play 18 games for Buffalo.