The New York Giants don’t have the luxury of chasing potential right now. They need real help real fast. Losing Malik Nabers to a season-ending ACL injury in Week 4 was already enough of a blow to cripple the offense. That much became painfully clear during the 26-14 loss to the New Orleans Saints, where the passing attack fell flat and never recovered.
The current wide receiver group isn’t built for this. Jalin Hyatt, Wan’Dale Robinson, and Beaux Collins aren't it. Oh, and Darius Slayton is now battling a hamstring injury — not that he'd be the savior anyway. It’s a disaster setup for rookie quarterback Jaxson Dart, who doesn’t have time to wait around for a breakout that may never come.
Related: Giants coach just gaslit fans with the most laughably obvious lies imaginable
So when NFL Network's Ian Rapoport dropped the news that former first-round pick Treylon Burks had been medically cleared — and officially waived by the Titans — the “should the Giants take a flyer?” crowd started growing fast. But here’s the reality: they can’t afford to spend their limited resources on a players who’s never delivered.
Former #Titans first-round pick Treylon Burks, who has been recovering from a broken collarbone since training camp, has been cleared for all football activities by Dr. Damon Petty, the #Titans team physician, sources say.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) October 6, 2025
Burks was released from IR and can sign with anyone. pic.twitter.com/Qp2aYJGyaA
Giants can’t afford the Burks gamble after losing Malik Nabers
Burks has played in just 27 games since being drafted 18th overall in 2022. His career stat line — 53 catches, 699 yards, and one touchdown — reads more like a solid season for a WR3 than a former first-round pick.
Injuries have wrecked his availability and development. Turf toe, LCL sprain, concussions, a torn ACL, and most recently, a fractured collarbone suffered during training camp this year.
Even now, despite being cleared, there’s zero guarantee he can stay healthy enough or contribute meaningfully. He hasn’t looked like a starting-caliber receiver since his rookie year — and even then, he was meh. The Titans gave up on him after just three seasons.
Did someone say red flag?
The G-Men are in a tough spot without Nabers, but this isn’t the answer. The 25-year-old isn’t a plug-and-play contributor. He isn’t a clean fit schematically. He isn’t a reliable option physically. And most importantly, there’s nothing in his body of work that suggests he’s ready to help a young quarterback build confidence or rhythm.
If that were the case, Tennessee probably would have held onto him for No. 1 overall pick, Cam Ward.
They’ve got to be smarter than this. The only thing worse than lacking receiver depth is making a bad bet on a name that doesn’t move the needle and dragging the franchise down further.