4 free agents the NY Giants were wise to stay away from in free agency

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Cincinnati Bengals tight end Hayden Hurst (88) catches a pass in the end zone for a touchdown in the first quarter of the NFL divisional playoff football game between the Cincinnati Bengals and the Buffalo Bills, Sunday, Jan. 22, 2023, at Highmark Stadium in Orchard Park, N.Y. The Bengals led 17-7 at halftime.Cincinnati Bengals At Buffalo Bills Afc Divisional Jan 22 268 /

2. Panthers TE Hayden Hurst

This year’s free agent class was full of veteran tight ends. Now, almost a week into the new league year, many of these players remained unsigned. Before the move to acquire Waller, many thought the Giants could look to add one of these playmakers.

The most notable free agent tight end to receive a long-term deal so far has been Hayden Hurst. The former Cincinnati Bengals tight end signed a three-year deal worth up to $21.75 million with Carolina.

Hurst has been a reliable option at the tight end position since being drafted in 2018. Over his five NFL seasons, he has recorded 177 receptions for 1,718 receiving yards and 14 touchdowns.

If the Giants were looking to add a tight end through free agency, Hurst could have been a potential option. But the move to acquire Waller is more fitting to what this team needs.

With no WR1 yet on the roster, Waller could help fill that void. With his size and speed, he can stretch the field in a way that few Giants in recent history have been able to. His fit to the roster is more aligned with what the team needs over what Hurst would have brought to the table.

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