It took one game for the New York Giants to realize just how brutal life without Malik Nabers is going to be. Rookie quarterback Jaxson Dart struggled to find receivers all afternoon, connecting on nine throws of 19 targets for a whopping 68 yards in the 26-14 Week 5 loss.
Against a previously winless New Orleans Saints team, no less.
Relying on Darius Slayton, Wan’Dale Robinson, Jalin Hyatt, and Beaux Collins just isn’t going to get it done. If Joe Schoen and Brian Daboll want to keep their jobs, finding someone — anyone — who can play receiver to make their 22-year-old franchise quarterback hopeful's life easier is a must.
Now it's time to right the ship. They have no time to waste, especially with Slayton battling a hamstring injury. There are three clear ways the G-Men can add talent: sign a free agent, poach a player from another team's practice squad, or go all-in on a trade. Here are eight players the team should have its eyes on to avoid another embarrassing outing moving forward.
7 WR targets Giants can’t afford to ignore after Malik Nabers' injury
Free agents:
Odell Beckham Jr.
Consider this the "I had to" choice of the exercise. Not much needs to be said. OBJ started his once-illustrious career in East Rutherford, so why not go the reunion route? It's clear his best playing days are behind him, but he's a strong route runner with elite hands who could help move the chains.
Diontae Johnson
This one is bound to stir up some eye rolls, but hear me out. It wasn't all that long ago that Johnson was putting up consistent 700-plus yard receiving seasons. It was just two seasons ago... but it was also four teams ago. Johnson comes with some attitude and effort concerns, but Big Blue could overlook those to bring in someone who'd immediately become the most talented receiver on the team.
Practice squad poaching:
Isaiah Hodgins (Steelers)
The reasoning to steal Hodgins from the Steelers mainly stems from the fact he's familiar with Daboll's complex offensive system. The five-year pro has spent his entire career in a Daboll-led offense. The 26-year-old isn't the most talented receiver, but bringing back a familiar face to an offense that's historically difficult to pick up quickly holds weight.
Nick Nash (Falcons)
For those unfamiliar with Nick Nash, here's a quick history lesson. He is an undrafted rookie from San José State University. He garnered All-American honors his senior season after catching 104 passes for 1,382 yards and an NCAA-leading 16 touchdown receptions.
He went undrafted due to his lack of explosive burst and top-end speed. However, sometimes college production wins out. Nash is an elite route-runner with great hands. He's unproven, so this would be a risk, but one that could pay dividends this season and beyond.
Potential trade targets:
Romeo Doubs (Packers)
Doubs could use a change of scenery. The 25-year-old appears to be lost in the sauce in Green Bay. His career gives Darius Slayton energy — although he's more talented — but he's widely considered available for the right price. He'd be a relatively low-risk, high-reward pickup who'd be better than trotting out Hyatt or Collins for the next 12 weeks.
Curtis Samuel (Bills)
Giants fans might remember Curtis Samuel for his time with the Washington Commanders from 2021-2023. Samuel's career has gotten away from him a bit, especially up in Buffalo, but he's still a serviceable option as a 29-year-old, nine-year veteran.
D.J. Moore (Bears)
I saved the best for last. Moore is hands-down the best option for the Giants to acquire. He's also the hardest. His contract and trade value practically make this trade a non-starter... but could you imagine? Think run after the catch. Think explosive offensive plays. Think the perfect sidekick to Nabers once he's back healthy. That's what the 28-year-old brings to East Rutherford.
Regardless of whoever it is they bring in, it's obvious Schoen has to make a move. Dart deserves it. The offense deserves it. The fans deserve it. Now, it's balls in the GM's court on which direction he chooses to go.