The New York Giants already have a standout wide receiver in their lineup, but what’s better than one elite weapon? Two. This offseason, the Giants should prioritize pairing Malik Nabers with another strong receiving threat to make their roster as quarterback-friendly as possible. As free agency draws near, one veteran wideout in particular should be on New York’s radar.
DeAndre Hopkins, a three-time first-team All-Pro wide receiver, is set to become a free agent again this offseason. The 32-year-old was traded to the Kansas City Chiefs mid-season, and his contract will expire at the start of the new league year. While Hopkins focuses on the postseason with Kansas City, many teams are lining up to pursue him in free agency.
Although Hopkins is an aging veteran, he remains a highly effective player. This season, he totaled 610 yards and five touchdowns on 56 receptions across two teams, the Tennessee Titans and the Chiefs, despite playing a secondary role. While he may no longer be the go-to weapon for an offense, that’s what makes him an ideal fit for the Giants.
Hopkins as the Perfect No. 2 Receiver and Mentor for Malik Nabers
The Giants don’t need another No. 1 receiver—they already have that in Malik Nabers, who had an impressive rookie season with 109 receptions, 1,204 yards, and seven touchdowns. However, the team’s other pass-catchers struggled to support him, and with Darius Slayton set to be a free agent, there could be another void to fill.
Bringing in Hopkins to play a complementary role alongside Nabers while also serving as a mentor would be a great move for New York. Hopkins has already taken on a mentorship role with Kansas City, helping rookie Xavier Worthy develop. With Nabers already showing immense potential, learning from a seasoned pro like Hopkins could help elevate his game to the next level.