It’s clear that the New York Giants’ primary goal this offseason is to strengthen their quarterback room by adding a veteran and drafting a rookie quarterback.
To unlock the full potential of both the veteran and rookie quarterbacks, general manager Joe Schoen will also need to find a wide receiver who can complement Malik Nabers, creating a dynamic duo at the position.
With Darius Slayton set to become a free agent and Jalin Hyatt not having made an impact in his first two years, acquiring a reliable receiver should be one of the team’s top priorities. Tee Higgins would have been a perfect target, but for the second consecutive year, the Cincinnati Bengals placed the franchise tag on him.
Luckily for the Giants, they have about $50 million in cap space and several productive free-agent wide receivers available.
Here are three prominent free-agent receivers the Giants should consider. One of the most appealing options is Chris Godwin. Not only is he a consistent performer, but he can also play both on the outside and in the slot. While the Giants have Wan’Dale Robinson in the slot, he’s undersized and entering the final year of his contract. Adding Godwin would offer more versatility to the offense.
Godwin has spent his entire eight-season career with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, but with an ankle injury in October and the rise of rookie receiver Jalen McMillan, it’s uncertain whether the Bucs will re-sign him.
Before last season, Godwin had a relatively injury-free career, with four seasons surpassing 1,000 receiving yards, and he was named second-team All-Pro in 2019. Beyond his on-field productivity, he’s known for his leadership, which would be a valuable addition to the Giants’ locker room.
Now 29, if the Bucs decide not to bring him back, the Giants should seriously consider pursuing Godwin.
Amari Cooper had a tough 2024 season. His performance with the Cleveland Browns was hampered by poor quarterback play from Deshaun Watson, and a wrist injury after being traded to the Buffalo Bills limited him for the rest of the year.
Cooper finished with career lows: 44 receptions, 547 yards, and four touchdowns.
However, prior to last season, Cooper had posted back-to-back seasons with over 70 receptions and 1,000+ yards, earning five Pro Bowl selections. Turning 31 in June, Cooper still has big-play potential and, given his age and last year’s struggles, the Giants could potentially acquire him at a reasonable price. If he can return to his pre-2024 form, it would be a great acquisition for New York.
Although there are valid concerns about Stefon Diggs—such as his recent ACL injury and past conflicts with quarterbacks—there are strong reasons why he could still be a good fit, despite being 31 years old.
One of the key factors is his familiarity with general manager Joe Schoen and head coach Brian Daboll from their time together with the Buffalo Bills in 2020 and 2021. During those two seasons, with Daboll as offensive coordinator, Diggs caught 230 passes for 2,760 yards and 18 touchdowns, earning first-team All-Pro honors in 2020.
Before his ACL injury last season, Diggs had posted six straight seasons with over 1,000 receiving yards. While there are risks, the Giants are in need of a playmaker opposite Nabers. If Diggs’ recovery is progressing well, a reunion with Daboll and Schoen could be in the cards.
