After finishing 3-14 in the 2024 season, the New York Giants are looking to upgrade at every position and successfully rebuild. While rebuilding means adding talent through the NFL Draft and free agency, it also requires sacrificing talent via trade.
One position the Giants have significantly improved over the last year is wide receiver, thanks to the addition of Malik Nabers last offseason. The Giants took him No. 6 overall last year, and he more than exceeded expectations in his rookie campaign.
Nabers had 109 catches, 1,204 yards, and seven touchdowns. The former LSU wideout set multiple Giants rookie records and made his presence known from day one. Nabers was so impressive that people forget he did all this without a viable quarterback last season.
Another receiver who broke out last season was Wan’Dale Robinson. The third-year wideout had 93 receptions, 699 yards, and three touchdowns. The future is bright for the 2022 second-rounder as he continues to develop in this young Giants offense.
The Giants' receiver room also featured veteran wideout Darius Slayton, the team’s top target before Nabers arrived. But with free agency around the corner, the 28-year-old will likely find a new home. The 2019 fifth-rounder consistently put up numbers for Big Blue, but his departure will open the door for a third receiver to emerge in 2025.
Many Giants fans hope that will be 2023 third-rounder Jalin Hyatt, who has yet to break out in his first two seasons. But at this point, it’s safe to call Hyatt a failed experiment and look to move the 23-year-old this offseason.
The Giants should finally shut the door on Jalin Hyatt
Hyatt has played in 33 of the Giants’ 34 games over the last two years but has totaled just 31 receptions for 435 yards and no touchdowns. His production has consistently decreased, which is surprising considering he was the Longhorns' top receiver in college.
Last season, Hyatt was the subject of several trade rumors, but general manager Joe Schoen and New York’s front office held on to their young receiver corps. With the NFL Draft approaching, it might be worth reopening those trade discussions and seeing what Schoen could get for Hyatt.
If the Giants have the opportunity to add draft capital or address a different positional need, they might be willing to trade Hyatt—especially if Brian Daboll chooses not to use him or if he doesn't get the opportunity he feels he deserves in New York.