One position that the New York Giants need to continue bolstering this offseason is wide receiver. While the Giants put together a solid group for the 2023 season, they are lacking in size at the position, relying on a lot of players who profile as slot receivers based on their size.
Darius Slayton was the only wide receiver regularly in the lineup who was listed over 6-feet tall and he was 6’1”. Isaiah Hodgins is 6’3” but he saw his role cut back drastically in 2023 compared to 2022.
While big splashes can’t happen for a few more weeks, teams are actively churning the bottom of their rosters. Looking to possibly find a diamond in the rough, the Giants signed an intriguing wide receiver to a reserve/futures contract this week.
NFL NEWS & RUMORS: Chase Cota & New York Giants Updates
Chase Cota, an undrafted free agent in 2023 out of Oregon, signed with the Giants on Tuesday afternoon. He was joined by center Jimmy Morrissey on the roster, as both could have a real chance to make the team given the needs at each position.
The Cota signing is the one that has intrigued people. He didn’t get on the field during the 2023 regular season, but he spent the entire year with playoff teams. The Detroit Lions were his first team before he moved on to the Kansas City Chiefs and Houston Texans.
That alone makes Cota an intriguing candidate, because of playoff teams thought he was worth having around, a team with openings such as the Giants could even find a way to get him on the field. New York also got an up-close look at him during the preseason.
When the Lions and Giants faced off, Cota caught four passes for 60 yards according to Pat Leonard of the New York Daily News. He also had one punt return in the preseason for 28 yards in his lone attempt.
NFL NEWS & RUMORS: Chase Cota & New York Giants Updates
Gunner Olszewski spent last season as the Giants’ punt returner and found some success. But, he is set to be a free agent and was exclusively used on special teams. New York may be better off having a punt returner that offers a little more as using a roster spot for another specialist is tough.
It is encouraging to see the Giants not leave a stone unturned when it comes to finding talent for their roster. Cota provides some intriguing as big, possession receiver that could also develop as a return man as well.
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