When it comes to free agency, it’s easy to get starry-eyed about big-name players, especially wide receivers. After all, the New York Giants’ passing attack has been stuck in neutral for far too long. But let’s face it—just because a player has a recognizable name or a few highlight-reel catches doesn’t mean they belong in New York.
As the Divisional Round spotlights some of the league’s top wideouts set to hit the open market, it’s crucial to remember that not every "big-name" option is a good fit for the Giants’ future.
Whether it’s baggage, declining production, or a high price tag, some free agents are more trouble than they’re worth. The last thing John Mara and the Giants need is a costly gamble that falls flat on the field. As the team looks to build a foundation of young, dependable talent under head coach Brian Daboll and general manager Joe Schoen, here are five Divisional Round receivers who should stay far, far away from East Rutherford.
After all, John Mara is already running out of patience.
Note: we cheated. Not all players featured are actually playing, but they're on the respective roster—and therefore, fair game.
5. Houston Texans: Stefon Diggs, 31
At 32 and coming off an ACL tear, Stefon Diggs is more risk than reward for the Giants. While his talent is undeniable—he’s a four-time Pro Bowler with multiple 1,000-yard seasons—his age and injury raise serious red flags. An ACL recovery is tough for any player, but for a receiver who thrives on quick cuts and explosiveness, it’s a major concern. Even if he returns to form, he’ll likely have lost a step.
Beyond that, Diggs won’t come cheap. His name still carries weight, and the Giants can’t afford to splurge on a receiver with this many question marks unanswered. Add in his reputation for locker room frustrations, and it’s clear Diggs is a gamble the Giants don’t need to take.
4. Buffalo Bills: Amari Cooper, 30
At this point in his career, Amari Cooper is more “solid contributor” than game-changer. His best days are behind him. At this point, Cooper feels more like a complementary piece rather than the centerpiece of any offense—a luxury player for a team that’s already set up to win, not one in need of a foundational wide receiver.
For the Giants, this would be a risky gamble. While Cooper could certainly provide a stabilizing veteran presence, his potential price tag and diminished ability to take over games make him less than ideal for a team still building its offensive identity. It’s hard to see him as the kind of player who can elevate the Giants’ passing attack to the level it needs to compete in today’s NFL.
3. Detroit Lions: Allen Robinson, 31
Allen Robinson's past four seasons are alarming. He's clearly no longer able to contribute in really any capacity. In the 2024 season with the Detroit Lions, Robinson appeared in 12 games but managed only 3 receptions for 30 yards, failing to score a touchdown. It was a massive decline and suggests he could be done. However, every year, it seems like at least one team convinces itself Robinson can still contribute. Good luck after this year.
Moreover, Robinson's recent history with the Giants is telling. After signing with the team in May 2024, he was released in August before the regular season began. This brief tenure indicates that the coaching staff didn't see a significant role for him, possibly due to his declining performance or inability to mesh with the team's offensive scheme. Re-signing a player who was recently deemed surplus to requirements doesn't align with a forward-thinking strategy, especially for a team aiming to revitalize its receiving corps.
2. Kansas City Chiefs: JuJu Smith-Schuster, 28
Smith-Schuster is another guy whose name still might carry some weight from his early Pittsburgh Steelers days, but he doesn’t fit what the Giants need. His 2022 season with the Chiefs—78 catches, 933 yards, and three touchdowns—came with Patrick Mahomes throwing and Andy Reid scheming. On a less dynamic offense (like the Giants), JuJu’s struggles to win one-on-one matchups on the outside would be magnified.
His skill set also overlaps heavily with what the Giants already have. JuJu thrives in the slot, but that’s Wan’Dale Robinson’s role, and the team needs a field-stretching playmaker, not another possession receiver. Add in his injury history and occasional off-field distractions, and he's a clear pass. For a team prioritizing cap space and long-term building, JuJu doesn’t fit the mold.
Also, with Tik-Tok potentially getting banned, who knows how Smith-Schuster will come out on the other side—uncharted territory.
1. Baltimore Ravens: Diontae Johnson, 28
Diontae Johnson’s chaotic 2024 season should wave all the red flags for the Giants. After starting the year strong with the Carolina Panthers, he was sent packing during a midseason trade to the Ravens. Things unraveled quickly there, as he reportedly refused to enter a game against the Philadelphia Eagles, resulting in his December release. A brief stint with the Texans followed, but they cut him after just two games. If two struggling teams couldn’t justify keeping him, why should New York even consider it?
The Giants can’t afford Johnson’s baggage. His poor attitude and inability to mesh with teammates clash with the culture Brian Daboll and Joe Schoen are working hard to build. Even if his talent is tempting, the risk of another locker-room headache isn’t worth it. The Giants need team-first players—not distractions—to move this rebuild forward.