As the New York Giants spiral deeper into quarterback chaos, one thing is becoming abundantly clear: rookie wide receiver Malik Nabers isn’t worried about who’s under center, as long as they can deliver him the ball.
When asked about the qualities he’d like to see in the Giants’ next quarterback, Nabers kept it real with a blunt and refreshingly simple answer: “I don’t want anything. I want the ball. As long as you can get me the ball, we’re good.”
It’s the type of response you’d expect from a rising star who has been a rare bright spot in an otherwise gloomy season. With the Giants sitting at 2-8 and their quarterback room in disarray, Nabers is making it clear what the team’s next step should be: find someone who can get him the ball consistently.
Malik Nabers is the Giants’ lone offensive spark
Despite the dysfunction surrounding him, Nabers has wasted no time proving why the Giants made him the sixth overall pick in the 2024 NFL Draft.
Through eight games, the LSU product has posted 61 receptions for 607 yards and three touchdowns, averaging 75.9 receiving yards per game. His 94 targets speak to his ability to get open, but the Giants’ quarterback carousel has limited his true potential.
Nabers has showcased everything you want in a No. 1 receiver: elite route running, contested catch ability, and explosive playmaking. He’s already had standout performances, including a 127-yard, one-touchdown game against Washington and an eight-catch, two-touchdown outing in a win over Cleveland.
However, much of his success has come in spite of the Giants’ quarterback struggles. Whether it’s Daniel Jones missing him on open routes, Tommy DeVito’s inexperience, or an offensive line that can’t provide enough time for plays to develop, Nabers has had to work harder than most for his production.
Malik Nabers is asked about the qualities he wants a QB to have and the future of the position for the Giants:
— Giants Videos (@SNYGiants) November 21, 2024
"I don't want anything, I want the ball. As long as you can get me the ball, we're good." pic.twitter.com/tGnAxoMhxV
Nabers’ comments are not just about what he wants, they’re about what the Giants need. In a season where the team has shuffled between Daniel Jones, DeVito, and Drew Lock, the need for a long-term solution at quarterback has never been clearer.
For the Giants, this isn’t just about finding a warm body to stand in the pocket; it’s about finding a quarterback who can maximize the talents of their franchise cornerstone. Nabers has the skill set to transform the offense, but without a capable quarterback to feed him the ball, his ceiling will remain capped.
Head coach Brian Daboll and general manager Joe Schoen need to prioritize this in the offseason. Whether through the draft, where the Giants are in prime position to select a top quarterback prospect, or free agency, finding the right fit at quarterback is critical.
Malik Nabers’ candid response to the quarterback question highlights his confidence and priorities: winning and production. He doesn’t care who gets the job; he just wants results.
Nabers is a glimmer of hope in what has been an otherwise frustrating season. The team’s future depends on their ability to pair him with a quarterback who can unlock his full potential.
As Nabers said, it’s simple: get him the ball, and the Giants will be in good shape. The front office can’t afford to fumble this one.