The New York Giants have had an inconsistent season, but coming off a big win against the Philadelphia Eagles, it's safe to say this team is fun to watch again. The energy and juice brought on by the rookie class is next level. From defensive tackle Darius Alexander coming along and edge Abdul Carter being a game wrecker, to wrecking ball Cam Skattebo and rookie quarterback sensation Jaxson Dart, there is life in the franchise for the first time in a long time.
With star receiver Malik Nabers out for the season with an ACL injury, players like Wan'Dale Robinson and Theo Johnson have stepped up in a big way, but the Giants need a true difference-maker to help Dart.
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They need someone who can be a go-to guy for their 22-year-old franchise cornerstone. With the trade deadline looming, rumors have already come fast and furious about general manager Joe Schoen working the lines, trying to get another receiver for No. 6. Let's take a look at four potential trade targets that might just be exactly what the doctor ordered.
1. Jaylen Waddle, Miami Dolphins
Jaylen Waddle is at the top of every Giants fan's list as far as players they want Schoen to go after. Waddle is a top-tier option who's still evolving as a player. The 26-year-old is a good route runner, has elite speed, and would give the G-Men a standout deep vertical threat that would cause defenses to play back. The former Alabama standout is turning 27 soon and is still under contract through 2029.
The price tag for Waddle would more than likely be a very steep one. Some people think it would cost Big Blue no less than a second-round pick. But he'd be a huge difference maker this year and moving forward. An offense led by Dart with Nabers, Waddle, Robinson, and Johnson to throw to sounds electric. Waddle is the big name to watch.
2. Jerry Jeudy, Cleveland Browns
Now this is a name that seems to be floated around by fans every year. After moving from the Denver Broncos to the Cleveland Browns, Jeudy showed what he could do with some decent quarterback play. Last season, Jeudy had a career year in both receptions with 90 and yards with 1,229. Only having turned 26 this year, he is a younger option than Waddle and also a much cheaper one.
The issue fans have with him is his hands. The league drop rate for receivers is 4.7%. The six-year pro has been at 5% or over for his career. His drops have come at crucial points in games and have led to some interceptions in certain cases. Still, with good QB play, you can’t deny he has talent. He's young, one of the best route runners in the game, and should he come to New York, he would be the No. 1 target. Head coach Brian Daboll would be happy — he has ties with Jeudy going back to Alabama.
3. Chris Olave, New Orleans Saints
One of the more interesting names on this list, Chris Olave, has come up in trade rumors for New York. The 25-year-old is having a solid season so far, with 38 receptions for 342 yards. But there are a couple of hiccups when it comes to a potential deal. The first is his injury history. Olave has sustained multiple concussions already in his short NFL career. It would be a risky move for the front office to commit significant draft capital to a wideout with that kind of track record. They’re already short on picks, and dealing a premium one for a player with durability concerns could easily backfire.
On the flip side, the Saints are in full rebuild mode and may be looking to offload big contracts in exchange for future flexibility. If the price is right, Olave would be worth adding. But Schoen will have to weigh the lengthy list of injuries — including two concussions last season, plus hip and ankle issues this year — before any negotiations between the two teams get serious.
4. Jakobi Meyers, Las Vegas Raiders
Raiders wideout Jakobi Meyers has reportedly wanted out of Las Vegas for a while now. Could he be the guy New York needs? He’s the oldest of the names mentioned on this list, turning 29 later this year. In 2024, he broke out with 1,027 yards on 87 receptions and four touchdowns. This season, however, he’s struggled a bit due to inconsistent quarterback play. Meyers has yet to find the end zone but has tallied 29 catches for 329 yards through six games.
The biggest hurdle in any potential deal is his contract. He carries a $14.9 million cap hit this season. While he may cost the least in terms of draft compensation, taking him on would require the front office to get creative financially. He’s a productive 6-foot-2 target who would add size to the receiving corps, but what would New York actually be willing to part with to land him? Meyers is also a free agent after this season — so would it really make sense to surrender assets for what could be an 11-game rental? If they miss, it’s wasted capital. If they hit, are they ready to pay a pass-catcher who turns 30 next season?