The New York Giants have made a concerted effort to upgrade the weapons around quarterback Daniel Jones this offseason. The wide receiver and tight end positions are going to look vastly different heading into the 2023 season than they did at the conclusion of 2022.
The biggest splash that New York made was acquiring tight end Darren Waller from the Las Vegas Raiders. Waller has dealt with injuries the last two seasons but when healthy is a game-changer at the position. His skill set meshes well with Jones, as Waller is most successful when running crossing routes, which Jones targets the most.
General manager Joe Schoen also added multiple wide receivers to improve the team’s depth. Parris Campbell was signed away from the Indianapolis Colts and Jamison Crowder joined the Giants after one season with the Buffalo Bills. Sterling Shepard, Isaiah Hodgins and Darius Slayton were all re-signed as well.
Given the lack of depth at wide receiver this offseason, the Giants did a good job of adding upgrades without paying a premium price. While the talent level has certainly increased, New York is still lacking a bonafide No. 1 option as almost all of the wide receivers they now have excel in the slot.
That could change during the 2023 NFL Draft. The Giants will keep their options open when it comes to adding a long-term piece at wide receiver and are hoping the board falls in their favor. If not, they can turn to the trade market to acquire the upgrade they seek.
One suggested target is Brandon Aiyuk of the San Francisco 49ers. The 49ers would love to keep Aiyuk, but they may not have the means to do so. They are already playing multiple players at top of the market prices, including fellow wide receiver Deebo Samuel.
Samuel has cap hits of more than $28 million and $24 million in 2024 and 2025, so trading him will not be easy. That could lead to Aiyuk being on the trade block. General manager John Lynch has said the fifth-year option in his contract will be picked up to show their commitment but there are hurdles to compensating him beyond that.
The Giants could make an aggressive offer and see if the 49ers bite. Offering their first-round pick, No. 25 overall, could get the job done. A first-rounder was the centerpiece of trades for A.J. Brown and Marquise Brown last year; Aiyuk is certainly worth the same.
Aiyuk is coming off a career season in which he caught 78 passes for 1,015 yards and eight touchdowns. If that breakout is a sign of things to come, he is going to receive a nice contract extension in the near future.
