The New York Giants made another quiet roster move over the weekend, signing veteran wide receiver Zach Pascal to a one-year deal. The 30-year-old spent last season with the Arizona Cardinals, where he barely saw the field on offense but logged 278 special teams snaps, nearly four times more than he played on offense.
At first glance, this isn’t the kind of transaction that's going to garner much attention. Pascal has just four catches over the past two years and didn’t record a single one in 2024. But when you take a step back, this move fits into a much larger theme developing around general manager Joe Schoen’s offseason strategy.
The Giants are finally tackling their suspect special teams unit. Pascal is simply the latest specialist brought in to fix this seemingly overlooked issue.
The Giants are addressing their special teams with Zach Pascal signing
Pascal’s signing follows the additions of linebackers Demetrius Flannigan-Fowles and Chris Board (two of the most consistent special teams tacklers in the NFL over the past few years), along with the re-signing of return specialist Ihmir Smith-Marsette. All three moves signal a clear priority shift: fix what was one of the least effective special teams units in football last year.
Pascal may be listed as a wide receiver, but he’s not here to compete for snaps alongside Malik Nabers, Darius Slayton, or Wan’Dale Robinson. He’s here to bring veteran savvy to a unit that has desperately lacked juice for a while now.
There’s one small wrinkle to monitor: Jalin Hyatt.
The former 2023 third-round pick has flashed speed but has yet to find his footing in New York’s offense. With Slayton re-signed long-term, Nabers locked in as WR1, and depth guys like Lil’Jordan Humphrey also in the mix, Pascal could — could — apply some pressure on Hyatt’s roster spot. That said, if this move is primarily special teams-focused, Hyatt may be safe… for now.
Still, with Hyatt entering Year 3, the clock is ticking on whatever is left of his trade value. If Schoen and Daboll don’t see a clear role for him, he could become a trade candidate as the offseason progresses.
At the end of the day, Pascal’s signing won’t move the needle much offensively. But it fits a bigger trend. The Giants are finally starting to build out the less sexy phases of the game. Special teams might not sell jerseys, but it wins field position and swings momentum.
And clearly, the Giants are finally tired of losing those margins. This had nothing to do with fireworks and everything to do with field position.