Former Cal Poly wide receiver Ramses Barden signed a four-year contract with the New York Giants on Wednesday. The terms of the deal were not disclosed.
New York also signed quarterback Rhett Bomar of Sam Houston State.
The Giants released tight end George Wrighster and offensive lineman Mike Fladell to create room on their roster.
The Giants selected Barden in the third round (85th overall) of the NFL Draft on April 26 after four years at Cal Poly. He left the school holding career records in catches (206), yards (4,203) and touchdowns (50).
He also holds the NCAA records for most consecutive games with a touchdown catch (20) and most career games with a touchdown catch (32). Barden caught at least one touchdown in each of Cal Poly’s 11 games last season, tying an NCAA mark for consecutive touchdown catches in a single season set by Randy Moss.
Barden caught 67 passes for 1,257 yards and 18 touchdowns last season while helping lead the Mustangs to an 8-3 record and a Football Championship Subdivision playoff berth.
He finished fourth in the running for the Walter Payton Award, presented to the nation’s top FCS player.
Barden became the first Cal Poly offensive player to be drafted since quarterback Seth Burford was selected in the seventh round by the San Diego Chargers in 2002. He became the second-highest Cal Poly player to be drafted and was the third former Mustang to be selected in the third round.
Linebacker Jordan Beck was drafted in the third round in 2005 by the Atlanta Falcons, while defensive end Chris Gocong was chosen in the third round a year later by the Philadelphia Eagles.