The New York Giants have reportedly been sniffing around for wide receiver help. Their latest transactions only add fuel to the fire, foreshadowing the corresponding move that has been discussed in recent days.
New York has restructured the contracts of cornerback Paulson Adebo and safety Jevon Holland, freeing up roughly $4.8 million in cap space, per ESPN's Field Yates. While Giants beat writers have been quick to point out the club needed to make payroll adjustments, the timing is certainly noteworthy.
When there's smoke, there's fire. Cutting costs amid buzz surrounding the Giants' desire to bring in a pass-catcher as the NFL's Nov. 4 trade deadline rapidly approaches is eye-opening. The tea leaves suggest that Adebo and Holland's salary reductions are precursors to adding a weapon for rookie quarterback Jaxson Dart.
Paulson Adebo, Jevon Holland contract restructures feed into Giants' WR trade buzz
Dart has managed without star wide receiver Malik Nabers, who suffered a season-ending torn ACL and meniscus in the former's first career start. However, the Giants have deployed an ultra-conservative, run-heavy offense sans the latter.
A three yards and a cloud of dust approach will only get Dart and the Giants so far, both in the short- and long-term. Bringing in a proven target makes sense if the team wants to take the training wheels off and see what they have in him. Moreover, doing so would give New York a more well-rounded attack, making them less predictable and harder to stop.
Giants general manager Joe Schoen ostensibly recognizes the need to improve Darts' Nabers-less supporting cast and is working the phones diligently to rectify the matter. Whether Big Blue is successful in its chase remains to be determined, though the effort is apparent.
Between their already drained draft capital and current franchise state, acquiring a player won't be easy for the Giants. They must thread the needle of prioritizing Dart's development while making a competitive move that doesn't sacrifice the future. Nevertheless, this is why New York pays Schoen the big bucks.
Recent intel indicates that the Giants are casting a wide net in search of a wideout. The Green Bay Packers' trio of Romeo Doubs, Christian Watson and Dontayvion Wicks has been identified as potential options. Washington Commanders 2024 All-Pro Terry McLaurin and the Miami Dolphins' Jaylen Waddle were also mentioned.