Despite signing Calvin Austin and Darnell Mooney this free agency, the Giants have traded up to select WR Malachi Fields in the third round of the NFL Draft, which means a trade involving Jalin Hyatt is likely coming. New York has officially put itself in a logjam, selecting Fields with a loaded pass-attack for QB Jaxson Dart. The Giants are continuing their rebuild after trading away DT Dexter Lawrence, and edge rusher Kayvon Thibodeaux is hanging on the trade block, too. However, earlier comments from new head coach John Harbaugh made it known that “everyone is tradeable” in response to the Thibodeaux trade rumors.
Since Hyatt needs a fresh start anyway, it wouldn’t be shocking to see the Giants move him in June. The former 2023 NFL Draft pick is entering the final year of his contract and needs at least a chance to be a WR3 for a team. Hyatt hasn’t shown that he can’t play football, but needs the system to do it. The Giants would actually be doing him a favor by trading him.
Giants Expected to Trade Former Third-Rounder Jalin Hyatt Before 2026 Season
Between Malik Nabers, Darius Slayton, and now the additions of Mooney, Austin and Fields, Hyatt should be able to find a new home where he could have a chance to thrive. The Giants are in talks with veteran WR Odell Beckham Jr., which makes the situation worse for Hyatt. He’s currently listed as a third-string on the depth chart. Hyatt is still a versatile slot route runner who could explode in the right scene.
Here are three teams that might be willing to grant him the opportunity.
Possible Next Teams
Kansas City Chiefs
The Chiefs have not selected a WR as of this posting, but they need another pass-catcher. Despite re-signing Tyquan Thornton, the team lost Marquise Brown to the Eagles in free agency. Between Rashee Rice and Xavier Worthy as the top receivers, it’s hard to envision them as the future of this offense. Other than their offseason issues, the receivers haven’t done much of anything spectacular. While Thornton had his flashes, the Chiefs are going to lean on Jalen Royals to step up.
However, if the Chiefs want to provide Patrick Mahomes with another receiver, they should trade for Hyatt to emerge at least behind Thornton to help him in the slot. This would buy Royals and Nikko Remigio some time to grow, so they can flourish in this offense.
Los Angeles Chargers
If anyone needs a new, fresh receiver, it’s the Los Angeles Chargers. While they selected WR Brenen Thompson, they need someone with a higher ceiling. The Chargers tried to get DK Metcalf last offseason, but failed to meet his asking price. Hyatt should be an easy acquisition for the Chargers for a late-round pick, and given the nature of his rookie contract, he should be able to fit into the team’s salary cap needs.
The team just needs someone to help Ladd McConkey in the slot, at least as Tre Harris and KeAndre Lambert-Smith are still learning.
Indianapolis Colts
The Colts were forced to trade Michael Pittman Jr. due to budget concerns, so they should be looking for a receiver to pair with Josh Downs. The team gave Alec Pierce a blockbuster contract, but he’s recovering from surgery. Hyatt would be the perfect temporary receiver, who could emerge for the time being while Pierce recovers.
