NY Giants: 7 reasons to be excited about the future

New Weapons

General manager Dave Gettleman does have his work cut out for him, but this offseason should be much easier than last.

Most of Gettleman’s defensive acquisitions have turned out to be gems, drastically improving a Giants defense that went from 25th in 2019 to 12th in 2020. But the offense has yet to even slightly improve.

While there are plenty of holes that can be filled, none was more evident than the lack of a big-time wide receiver.

The Giants had the 29th ranked receiving offense. None of their receivers eclipsed 1000 yards, and only one averaged more than 50 receiving yards per game. That receiver was Sterling Shepard, who averaged 54.7.

To find a wide receiver with an average comparable to that, you have to go down to Robert Woods, who was 23rd in the NFL in reception yards. He averaged 58.5 yards per game. The Giants’ receiving leader, Darius Slayton, was ranked 46th with 751 yards.

No team had to worry about a deep threat, both due to Daniel Jones’ arm strength (his intended air yards were down this year) and due to a lack of a player capable of making contested catches.

As FanSided’s Matt Lombardo has written earlier this week, there are plenty of viable options in free agency that Gettleman could target.

But it is an absolute must for the Giants to get a talented receiver for Jones. Not only will it open up a deep threat, but it will open up more opportunities for Shepard and Slayton. Both are strong receivers, especially Shepard. But neither is a true number one.

Whoever Gettleman can get will likely be an improvement to the lot. Excitement lies in seeing just who will wear Big Blue at wide receiver in 2021.