The NY Giants 2022 campaign has been one that has defied expectations. Led by their offensive duo of Daniel Jones and Saquon Barkley, the G-Men now find themselves in the playoffs. This team is now poised to post an upset in the Wild Card Round vs. the Minnesota Vikings.
It goes without saying, but the wide receiver position has been the biggest talking point of the Giants offense this season – the unit lacks serious talent. Looking ahead to the offseason, general manager Joe Schoen needs to make some changes. While some fans are calling for a DeAndre Hopkins trade, we don’t think it’s a good idea. Instead, Schoen should look at these four guys:
4. Colts WR Michael Pittman
Indianapolis Colts wide receiver Michael Pittman has cemented himself as one of the most reliable pass-catchers in the NFL. Over his three NFL seasons, he has slowly become the WR1 on the Colts offense. And he has the numbers to show for it.
After a rookie season full of potential, Pittman took the next step in Year 2. During the 2021 season, he recorded 88 receptions for 1,082 receiving yards and six receiving touchdowns while being targeted 129 times.
In a down season for the Colts offense, Pittman was still a reliable target. While playing alongside Parris Campbell and rookie wide receiver Alec Pierce, Pittman still proved to be the team’s WR1.
This past season, while taking the field in 16 games, Pittman once again put together a solid campaign. He finished the season with 141 total targets, recording 99 receptions for 925 receiving yards and four receiving touchdowns.
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At 6-4 and 223 pounds, Pittman has the size that the Giants have been missing from their wide receivers this season. He can catch nearly anything thrown his way and can stretch the field. He would also instantly contribute in the red zone, which would add yet another layer to the Giants offense.
With the Colts set for a rebuild, they may add all of the draft pieces they can. The Giants potentially have more than enough picks and players to make a deal happen.
3. 49ers WR Brandon Aiyuk
San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk could be an intriguing option for the Giants offense as well. Based on what Aiyuk has done in his NFL career, he could prove to be the best option for this offense. Aiyuk has found success while playing in a loaded 49ers offense. Alongside players such as George Kittle, Christian McCaffrey and Deebo Samuel, Aiyuk has still managed to make his presence felt.
Over his three seasons, Aiyuk has consistently gotten better each year. During his rookie season, while taking the field in 12 games, he recorded 60 receptions for 748 receiving yards and five touchdowns.
In his second campaign, Aiyuk took the field in 17 games. He recorded 56 receptions for 826 receiving yards and five receiving touchdowns. During the 2022 regular season, with the 49ers starting three different quarterbacks, Aiyuk once again proved to be reliable. He also put up the best numbers of his career so far.
Over 17 games, Aiyuk recorded 78 receptions for 1,015 receiving yards and eight receiving touchdowns while being targeted 114 times.
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With the amount of star power that the 49ers have assembled, it may be difficult to pay everyone. Aiyuk could inevitably be the odd man out on the offensive side of the ball. This could lead to the Giants being the perfect trade partner.
2. Steelers WR Diontae Johnson
Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver Diontae Johnson may be one of the most underrated wide receivers in the NFL. It also appears that he may be looking for a move in the offseason. Johnson, a third-round pick in the 2019 NFL draft, has put together a strong NFL career. Over his four NFL seasons, he has taken the field in 64 games. He has recorded 340 receptions for 3,646 receiving yards and 20 touchdowns.
His 2021 campaign was the best of his NFL career so far. During that season, he recorded 107 receptions for 1,161 receiving yards and eight receiving touchdowns. Following the success of his 2021 season, Johnson struggled to be as productive in 2022. While taking the field in all 17 games, he recorded 86 receptions for 882 receiving yards and zero touchdowns.
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Johnson has looked like a star wide receiver during his time in the NFL. His solid 2022 season will inevitably be overshadowed by his zero receiving touchdowns. But he is still a proven playmaker that would make any offense better.
With the arrival of rookie wide receiver George Pickens, Johnson could soon be on the move. After signing a two-year contract, he is set to hit free agency after the 2023 season. If the Steelers are afraid that he could walk after next season, they could look to move him now in exchange for something. With what he has shown so far, he is worth being on the Giants radar.
1. Bengals WR Tee Higgins
Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver Tee Higgins could be the top option out of this group. Since entering the NFL in 2020, Higgins has been one of the most consistent wide receivers in the NFL. He burst onto the scene in his rookie season, recording 67 receptions for 908 receiving yards and six touchdowns.
In the two seasons since his rookie year, Higgins has recorded 1,000-plus receiving yards each campaign. Over his three NFL seasons, Higgins has taken the field in 50 total games. He has recorded 3,337 receiving yards, 21 receiving touchdowns, and 233 receptions.
Heading into the 2022 playoffs, Higgins is coming off of arguably the best regular season of his career. Through 16 games, he has recorded 74 receptions for 1,029 receiving yards and seven touchdowns.
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Higgins has succeeded while playing alongside a star in Ja’Marr Chase and a fellow stud in Tyler Boyd. Based on what he has shown, Higgins has legitimate WR1 potential. Heading into next season, Higgins will be entering the fourth year of his rookie contract.
The 2020 second-round selection could be due for a massive payday. Before that, the Bengals may look to ship him to a new city. Hey, East Rutherford could be a nice fit for him.
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