The New York Giants revamped their offensive weapons this past offseason. General manager Joe Schoen knew that the team needed a jolt on that side of the ball, so he brought in a lot of talent to upgrade that unit.
The biggest splash was acquiring tight end Darren Waller from the Las Vegas Raiders. Waller has looked healthy this offseason and dominant as ever; it would not be a surprise if he led the Giants in targets in 2023.
At wide receiver, a third-round pick was used on Jalin Hyatt and Bryce Ford-Wheaton received a nice payday as an undrafted free agent. In free agency, the Giants brought in Parris Campbell, Jamison Crowder and Cole Beasley. Isaiah Hodgins and Darius Slayton were re-signed and Wan’Dale Robinson, the team’s second-round pick in 2022, is returning from injury.
It is fair to question where does Sterling Shepard fit into all of this? Shepard re-signed with the Giants this offseason, but none of his $1.3 million contract is guaranteed. With so much competition at the position, Shepard has been suggested as a trade piece by a few different writers at Bleacher Report.
A trade seems very unlikely as Shepard has made it clear it is Giants or bust for him. There are already plans in motion to find him a role with the franchise after his playing career is over as well.
But, it doesn’t mean that teams won’t come calling about Shepard’s availability. Something has to give at wide receiver this offseason as the Giants cannot keep everyone mentioned above. One team that could call on Shepard is the Indianapolis Colts.
The Colts could use some more reliable weapons around Anthony Richardson, the No. 4 pick in the 2023 NFL Draft. Named the team’s starter in Week 1, it wouldn’t hurt to bring in a seasoned veteran to help the highly talented but raw Richardson as a rookie.
What could a deal between the Colts and Giants look like? It shouldn’t cost much to acquire Shepard, as the Giants have to pare down the position eventually. A fifth-round pick in the 2024 NFL Draft would normally be enough to get a deal done.
But, this isn’t your normal circumstance. The Giants have no interest in moving Shepard and he wants to remain with the franchise. A drastic overpay, such as offering a Day 2 pick, would be required for New York to even consider moving a player that means much more to the team beyond production on the field.
