The New York Giants passing offense has been nothing but disappointing in 2020. Through 14 weeks, Big Blue has just nine passing touchdowns and only one in the past five contests. Yes, that could be a quarterback issue. However, it is also a wide receiver issue. Giants receivers are under the league average when it comes to separation. Sterling Shepard leads the team in yards of separation with three. If the Giants really want to kickstart their offense next season and start matching the play of their solid defensive unit, they need to add a game-changing wide receiver this offseason.
The New York Giants Need A Game-Changing Wide Receiver This Offseason
The upcoming free-agent class of wide receivers boasts a nice group that the Giants could choose from. The 2021 NFL Draft also headlines some future star talents. Here is a look at five receivers that New York should consider adding to their developing offense through free agency or the draft.
The Candidates
Ja’Marr Chase
Depending on where the Giants pick in the draft, Ja’Marr Chase from LSU would be a great fit, and will likely be the first receiver taken off the board come April. Chase brings a 6 foot, 208-pound frame, a good size that the Giants would love to have. The college star, who decided to opt-out of his junior season and declare for the 2021 draft, recorded 1780 receiving yards and 20 touchdowns in 2019, while averaging 21.2 yards per catch. THAT is the big playmaking ability of Chase.
If selected by the Giants, Ja’Marr Chase would immediately bring another superstar potential talent to New York. Following in the footsteps of a former-LSU receiver drafted by the Giants awhile back, Chase has the talent to be even better.
Devonta Smith
Devonta Smith, the 6’1, 175-pound receiver from Alabama is an amazing talent. Smith has already gone for 1,511 yards and 17 touchdowns in just 11 games this season. He already surpassed his season totals from last year, where he caught 14 touchdowns for 1,256 yards.
Smith could very well be a Giant by next season. With his size and knack for getting into the end zone, Smith would add another superstar talent on this offense.
Allen Robinson
Allen Robinson is probably the best available wide receiver in this upcoming offseason’s free agency class. Robinson always showed what he could do on the field, despite having poor quarterback play.
This season, Robinson has 1,110 yards and six touchdowns. He has a career average of 13.2 yards per catch and a 58.2 catch percentage. Robinson is another bigger receiver who could go up and grab those 50/50 balls, while also creating separation and allowing the quarterback to hit him downfield.
Robinson with the Giants would give Daniel Jones a true number one wide receiver to work with. Yes, Jones has not been great this season, but the supporting cast around him also plays into that. Bringing in a reliable receiver like Robinson, who could really unleash Jones’ potential of throwing the deep ball, would be a huge benefit to Jones and the Giants offense.
Kenny Golladay
Kenny Golladay and the Giants had a small connection earlier this season when it was reported by Jordan Raanan that New York inquired about a trade for the 27-year-old receiver, but talks never advanced.
This is a good sign for Giants fans who already have “Babytron” on their wish-list. The team is already interested in him in some way. Golladay brings over an even bigger frame than Robinson, 6’4, 214 pounds. Golladay has been sidelined with a hip injury since Week 9, and did miss weeks one and two. However, in the five games that he appeared in this season, Golladay has 20 receptions for 338 yards and two touchdowns. His 2019 stats really tell the story of the type of player he is, as he hauled in 11 touchdowns for 1,190 yards.
Golladay will be another hot name brought up during free agency. He could get franchise-tagged by Detroit, and he has expressed his desire to stay with the Lions, but if a contract is not agreed upon, expect the Giants to be on the phone.
Corey Davis
Corey Davis is an interesting name to watch come March. The Titans declined his fifth-year option, so he will hit the open market and will garner attention. Davis is having a career year, highs in yards, touchdowns, yards per catch, and yards per game. With Davis just 55 yards away from his first 1,000-yard receiving season, the Giants should take a look at the former first-rounder.
Davis’ 6’3 frame should intrigue the Giants, he has really never had the opportunity to show his full potential. Put him in an offense where he will have the opportunity to do so, and the sky is the limit for Davis in a Giants uniform.
Adding A Wide Receiver Should Be New York Giants Top Offseason Priority
There are a few holes to fill this offseason. A true edge rusher would definitely be welcomed, another cornerback to play opposite of James Bradberry, linebacker depth, another tight end would not hurt. However, if the Giants really want to give Daniel Jones another year under center, which is likely, they need to supply him with a true game-changing wide receiver that he can throw to. Darius Slayton is a good player, but he is not that true number one receiver. Pair him with a guy like Robinson or Chase, and watch Slayton’s game take off. Whether it be through free agency or the draft, maybe even both, the Giants seriously need to do their homework on wide receivers and decide which one they want to help this offense finally start producing.
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