It's been an offseason of change for the New York Giants. However, everything still revolves around rising second-year quarterback Jaxson Dart, which is why they should look powerfully into signing veteran wide receiver Keenan Allen.
Allen, who turns 34 in April, is no longer in peak form but still has plenty to offer at this point of his NFL career. The six-time Pro Bowler might not be the best player available, even in the later stages of free agency, though he's arguably the steadiest. Adding him would go a long way toward aiding Dart's development as the Giants' franchise centerpiece.
There are a lot of reasons to like Allen landing in New York. Yet, his potential impact on Dart tops the list.
The New York Giants can give Jaxson Dart a huge boost by signing free-agent WR Keenan Allen
Having multiple security blankets between new pass-catching tight end Isaiah Likely and someone like Allen can help a young signal-caller in multiple ways. Of course, it gives Dart a variety of mouths to feed. Moreover, no shortage of safety valves prevents the 2025 first-round pick from trying to be Superman and make something out of nothing with his legs.
While the well-chronicled narrative of Dart's aggressive play style may be overblown, his health is pivotal to the Giants' success. This team will go as far as he can physically take them, so keeping him fresh ought to be a top priority. Allen isn't an offensive lineman, yet he offers protection as a reliable checkdown option.
Moreover, the Giants have taken the economical route to building Dart's supporting cast. They let wideout Wan'Dale Robinson leave for greener pastures with the Tennessee Titans. New York replaced him with Calvin Austin III and Darnell Mooney, but their skill sets are different — which Allen's profile solves.
Mooney and Austin are both outside vertical threats. Conversely, Robinson did most of his damage with the Giants inside. Allen, who's made a living from the slot for over a decade, ensures no one falls outside of their comfort zone.
The Giants brought in Likely to be an explosive playmaker. Nevertheless, their current roster construction could limit his ideally creative usage. Allen handling the short-area work allows the club to deploy its high-priced acquisition more as the weapon they paid him to be.
Meanwhile, Giants star receiver Malik Nabers' recovery from a torn ACL and meniscus he suffered in September bears monitoring. A return date remains unclear as of this writing. Filling his void requires an all-hands-on-deck effort, so a trusted, versatile vet like Allen offers even more value.
Across 17 games with the Los Angeles Chargers last season, Allen caught 81 of 122 targets for 777 yards and four touchdowns.