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Rueben Randle Wants To Return In 2016, But Should The New York Giants Re-Sign Him?

By Christopher Schwarz

Dec 20, 2015; East Rutherford, NJ, USA; New York Giants wide receiver Rueben Randle (82) scores a touchdown against the Carolina Panthers during the first quarter at MetLife Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 20, 2015; East Rutherford, NJ, USA; New York Giants wide receiver Rueben Randle (82) scores a touchdown against the Carolina Panthers during the first quarter at MetLife Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports /
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Rueben Randle has had a tumultuous season with the New York Giants. If Tom Coughlin and Jerry Reese return for 2016, would they even want their number two receiver back? Randle said on Thursday that he would love to re-sign with the Giants before he becomes an unrestricted free agent in March.

When asked if he wanted return next season, Randle told the New York Post, “of course.” Randle was the Giants’ second round pick in 2012 and has a bond with his teammates. “I love playing on this team and love playing with the guys on this team… so it would be tough leaving them. I would love to stick around, but we’ll see how it goes.”
Randle is behind only Odell Beckham Jr. in receptions and touchdowns, but his season has been a disappointing one. He often disappears for quarters at a time and was benched in one game in favor of Hakeem Nicks. He has been known to cut routes short hanging Eli Manning out to dry. In his fourth season with Manning, he has yet to develop the same relationship as OBJ who is in his second.

In early December, Randle even complained about his role in the offense. He told the New York Daily News, “Odell is pretty much the prime target for us offensively… It’s definitely frustrating. As a receiver you want to get more involved. It can be kind of tough when the opportunities are limited.” For someone who has underperformed in the offense, he certainly picked a poor time to complain.

On the other hand, the Giants’ options at receiver are limited. Victor Cruz is not a guarantee to return in 2016 and even if he does, he’s certainly injury-prone. Dwayne Harris has filled in as a slot receiver, but he’s primarily a returner. The Giants will have plenty of cap space to use in the offseason, but the defense needs much more help than the 6th ranked passing offense in the NFL.

The fates of Tom Coughlin and Jerry Reese are still unknown which makes Randle’s situation more complex. Randle “love[s] playing on this team,” but do the Giants even want him back in 2016?

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