New York Giants tight end Theo Johnson’s current predicament feels like a Mad Libs puzzle.
If you’re skeptical, think of it this way: We don’t typically envision backup tight ends among those facing increased pressure amid concerns regarding a star receiver’s knee injury.
Such is the reality for Johnson and the Giants ahead of Sunday’s opener against the Cowboys. John Harbaugh has been vague about whether Malik Nabers will play in Week 1, even after the team released veteran wideout Darius Slayton on Monday. Outside of Nabers, the Giants have only three active receivers — Odell Beckham Jr., Darnell Mooney, and rookie Malachi Fields — and another four on the practice squad.
Mooney is the only one of those three who caught a pass last year, and he failed to turn heads during offseason workouts or the preseason. Now is the time for Johnson, a third-year tight end from Penn State, to build on an underappreciated sophomore campaign.
John Harbaugh and the New York Giants desperately need a Theo Johnson breakout in Week 1
Excluding the running backs, Nabers and Johnson are the only active Giants to have caught a pass from Dart last year. In fact, his 45 catches trailed only Wan’Dale Robinson, and his 528 yards ranked third behind Robinson and Slayton.
Johnson also quietly led the team with five receiving touchdowns, all coming from Dart. That familiarity could prove pivotal on Sunday night, regardless of Nabers’ status, especially with questions surrounding the running backs; Tyrone Tracy Jr. had 36 catches last year but has seemingly fallen out of favor with the new coaching staff.
Harbaugh defended the Slayton release on Wednesday, which isn’t overly surprising given he’d emerged as a possible game day scratch candidate.
It’s nonetheless strange that the Giants still hadn’t added another established receiver to either the 53-man roster or practice squad as of Thursday morning — and by “established,” we mean someone with significant playing experience, not someone who has been a bottom-of-the-roster or perennial practice squad body.
Consider this an instance where Matt Nagy’s experience as the Chiefs’ offensive coordinator works in the Giants’ favor. Travis Kelce was — and remains — Patrick Mahomes’ top option, and Kansas City struggled to find a consistent and reliable No. 1 receiver following the Tyreek Hill trade. Enter backup tight end Noah Gray, who averaged 30 catches and 307 yards during his three seasons playing under Nagy.
Unfortunately for Giants fans, we’re not saying that Dart and Likely are guaranteed to become the new Mahomes and Kelce. But we know that Dart values throwing to his tight ends, and Johnson has done more than enough to warrant the additional targets.
None of this may excite Giants fans, but beggars can’t be choosers. Take it up with Joe Schoen for how he approached the receiver room this offseason.
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