Assuming that the New York Giants intend to carry six receivers, Braxton Berrios still has his work cut out for him.
The Giants signed Berrios, a former Miami Hurricanes standout and seven-year NFL vet, alongside Odell Beckham Jr. and JuJu Smith-Schuster in early June. But of the three, Berrios is the one with extensive special teams experience, which gave him an opportunity following Gunner Olszewski’s season-ending Achilles injury.
Although Berrios has enjoyed a strong start to training camp, The Athletic’s Dan Duggan pointed out that the veteran receiver has a “distinct advantage” by facing less-than-stellar slot cornerbacks.
“Still, his production can’t be ignored,” Duggan wrote. “Berrios’ return ability gives him true game-day value.”
What New York Giants fans must know about receiver Braxton Berrios
A 2018 sixth-round pick of the Patriots, Berrios has 140 catches for 1,360 yards and six touchdowns. Much of that damage came over four seasons with the Jets from 2019-22, and he was one of the few reliable receivers in the pre-Garrett Wilson era.
Berrios earned first-team All-Pro honors in 2021 after leading the league with 30.4 yards per kick return. Giants fans expecting history to repeat itself are likely out of luck, seeing as Berrios turns 31 in October and hasn’t been a regular returner since 2023.
It is unclear whether the Giants would carry seven receivers rather than six. Barring injuries, the Week 1 receiver room is expected to feature Malik Nabers, Darius Slayton, Darnell Mooney, Calvin Austin III, and rookie Malachi Fields. The only reason that Austin’s spot might not be as secure is that the Giants only guaranteed him $450,000 this past offseason. The Giants did not guarantee Berrios any money when he signed his one-year, veteran minimum deal.
Theoretically speaking, the Giants could have Austin, Berrios, and another receiver, whether it be Beckham, Smith-Schuster, or a to-be-determined option. As previously argued, a trade for someone like the Browns’ Cedric Tillman is worth pursuing, especially if Joe Schoen could also get something in return for Jalin Hyatt.
However, Hyatt has been boosting his own stock by working as a gunner on punt returns. A strong showing during the three-game preseason slate will only help Hyatt’s case to at least be on a practice squad if he doesn’t survive final cuts.
Berrios and the Giants open the preseason against the Vikings next Saturday.
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