The NY Giants are in need of a true No. 1 receiver this offseason, everyone can see that. Rumors will be swirling for a while about guys who could be ready to join new teams. Already, one of the main superstars being discussed is Buffalo Bills wideout Stefon Diggs. This isn't the first time either.
Last offseason, there was speculation that the G-Men and Joe Schoen could push to try and land him. After the Bills failed to bring home a Super Bowl once again this year, talks are in place that Diggs could want out. With that said, the Giants are entering Year 3 of the Schoen/Brian Daboll era and smart decisions looking at the future need to be made. This includes staying away from Diggs. In this piece, we take a look at three reasons why NY pursuing Diggs doesn't make any sense.
3. Stefon Diggs has a massive cap hit
One of the biggest reasons to stay away from Diggs is from a financial standpoint. While there's no denying that Diggs is one of the best WRs in the game, you've got to keep in mind that he has a cap hit of almost $28 million for next season. That's a huge chunk of change and something the Giants can't touch with a 10-foot pole.
Schoen loves cap flexibility, which has been seen with recent moves. He was a busy man last offseason, signing both Andrew Thomas and Dexter Lawrence to monster extensions. Schoen also traded for Cardinals linebacker Isaiah Simmons, who made an impact on defense and special teams for the Giants. Fans would love him back. The same can be said for stars Saquon Barkley and Xavier McKinney, who are looking for extensions soon.
Elsewhere, will Tyrod Taylor be back, or will he look for opportunities elsewhere? In terms of other pending free agents, Adoree' Jackson, Matt Breida, A'Shawn Robinson, Darnay Holmes and others may not be back. Schoen will have plenty of guys he'll need to figure out deals for, which is why breaking the bank for Diggs would not be a wise call.
2. Stefon Diggs is turning 31 in November
Diggs is on the wrong side of 30, as he turns 31 years old in November. If Schoen is to make a move for a star receiver via trade or free agency, age is sure to play a factor in his decision. Schoen and the Giants should keep building up the young core of players on the team now. There are other reliable WRs on the roster Giants Nation is excited about.
Darius Slayton has proven himself to be a solid No. 2 receiver for the Giants. He has quietly carved out two consecutive 700+ yard seasons. Wan'Dale Robinson flashed his rookie season, but burst onto the scene down the stretch in 2023, becoming a fun target for both Tommy DeVito and Taylor.
Daniel Bellinger, the Giants second-year tight end, continues to develop as well. We can't forget about 2023 third-round pick Jalin Hyatt either. While he didn't break out the way fans were hoping for this campaign, the hope is that he can be more involved in the offense in 2024. His potential is exciting, no doubt. Oh, and don't forget that a new star youngster could arrive in town in late April...
1. The Giants could draft a WR1 with the No. 6 overall pick
This is the option that makes the most sense for the Giants and Schoen. The Giants hold the No. 6 overall pick in the 2024 NFL Draft and there continues to be a lot of buzz that a star receiver will be taken at that spot. Schoen could trade up to land an elite QB, but if he does stay at No. 6, a WR1 for the future makes a ton of sense.
Rome Odunze is a special player who will hear his name called early in the first round. The question is, will the Giants be the ones to draft him? Odunze is a 6-3, 215-pound wide receiver from Washington. He has amazing play-making ability and could be a great addition to a young, promising Giants WRs room. He finished this past college football season with 92 receptions for 1,640 yards and 13 touchdowns.
If Odunze isn't your guy, how about the uber athletic Malik Nabers? The LSU stud doesn't have the size of Odunze, but he is shifty and some will say he's a better route runner. Standing at 6-0, 200 pounds, Nabers put up monster numbers this past season to the tune of 89 receptions for 1,569 yards and 14 touchdowns. Either Nabers or Odunze would be an electric addition for the offense - one that would be way cheaper than adding Diggs.