Nov. 1 trade deadline, next Tuesday at 4 p.m. ET, all deals must be completed and the Giants are surely looking at bringing in some studs to help out.
It’s hard to keep track of all the names linked with the New York Giants leading up to the trade deadline. However, general manager Joe Schoen must be careful. So let’s delve into potential players Big Blue should buy in, and buyer beware options for New York.
Players The Giants Should Target
Denver Broncos Tight End Albert Okwuegbunam:
Albert Okwuegbunam is a physical specimen who checks in at 6-5 260 pounds. However, this year, his 2022 stats won’t open many eyes, with him only hauling in seven receptions for 50 yards. Last season, in 2021, he posted 33 receptions for 330 yards and two touchdowns. Unfortunately, Albert has fallen the depth chart this fall, and he and quarterback Russell Wilson haven’t developed any chemistry.
With the injury to rookie tight end Daniel Bellinger, the Giants are in serious need of the tight end position. Okwuegbunam could make his way to New York and help out this passing attack. However, he would not be an expensive option because he is still in his rookie contract.
“He was an exciting prospect heading into the season given his physical traits and 2.0 yards per route run in a limited sample as a sophomore, but he fell out of favor with the new coaching staff and has played just 16 offensive snaps since Week four,” Barnwell wrote on the Broncos tight end. “Daboll has a well-earned reputation as a coach for getting the most out of his playmakers on offense while minimizing their limitations. In addition, Okwuegbunam is still on a rookie contract through the end of next season, and he won’t cost much in terms of draft capital in return.” Bill Barnwell – ESPN
Giants acquire: TE Albert Okwuegbunam
Broncos acquire: RB Gary Brightwell, 2023 fifth-round pick Dallas Robinson – PFN
Pittsburgh Steelers: Wide Receiver Chase Claypool:
Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver Chase Claypool, a former second-round pick in 2020 (49th overall), is another option for the Giants. Claypool has fallen off the depth chart, with Dionte Johnson and rookie George Pickens getting the bulk load of the snaps this season. However, Chase has the potential that he could be a top wideout when he scored nine touchdowns as a rookie.
Since his rookie season, he’s found the end zone only three times. This season, he has just 28 receptions for 266 yards and one touchdown, possibly attributed to his not being synced with quarterbacks Mitch Trubisky and rookie Kenny Pickett.
Claypool is an attractive option because he’s only 24 years old and still in his rookie contract. However, he’s under contract through the 2023 season, which gives the Giants time to evaluate how well the 6-foot-4, 238-pound Claypool fits in their offense.
So far, this has been a sensational season for the Giants as they have exceeded all expectations from people outside the organization. But if they may want to put themselves in a position to make a long playoff run, then they need to acquire a talent like Claypool to add to their receiver room with the recent trade of former first-round pick Kadarius Toney to Kansas City.
“At most, they would likely offer a fourth-round pick for Claypool, who is gifted athletically and possesses great size for a wide receiver, but that has not always translated to the field.” Dallas Robinson – PFN
Giants Gridiron Affiliate Chill ‘N’ Reel
Players The Giants Should NOT Target
Miami Dolphins Tight End Mike Gesicki:
The Miami Dolphins tight end is having a down year for the AFC East side, yet he’s sure to put together some strong showings in the past. With that said, the G-Men are also looking for some tight-end help now that Daniel Bellinger could be lost for the rest of the campaign. Enter Gesicki?
Yes, adding a player of Mike Gesicki’s caliber would be great for the New York Giants offense and quarterback, Daniel Jones, but there’s just no way Big Blue can afford to bring him in. Gesicki returned to Miami on a one-year, $10.9 million contract. Unfortunately, the Giants have limited cap space, so unless Miami wants to eat up a large portion of the tight end’s salary, there’s no way this could work.
CBS proposed trades for each contender, and they like the idea of Schoen making something happen to bring Gesicki to East Rutherford in exchange for multiple draft picks. Again, the thought of him catching balls from Danny Dimes is fun to imagine. However, there are too many obstacles to make this realistic. Schoen should turn his attention elsewhere.
Carolina Panthers Wide Receiver D.J. Moore:
From the moment Matt Rhule was fired as head coach of the Panthers, D.J. Moore trade rumors started swirling. Unfortunately, it’s looking like the Panthers are sellers, which was made more than evident when the team traded superstar running back Christian McCaffrey to the San Francisco 49ers in exchange for a boatload of picks.
Could Moore be the next stud to be shipped to a new squad? He’d be a great addition to the Giants; there’s no question about that. The only issue is that Carolina reportedly wants multiple draft picks, and the asking price could be too high for the G-Men. However, if the price was right, then sure, get Moore.
The Giants can’t afford to overpay for someone like Moore. He’s got all the talent in the world, yet New York can’t let Carolina, or anyone, body them around. Yes, the New York wide receivers room isn’t healthy, but things could look promising if Kenny Golladay is able to return to total health.
If Carolina wants to play hardball, they can do so with someone else.
New Orleans Wide Receiver Michael Thomas:
New Orleans Saints Wide Receiver Michael Thomas’ base salary for this season is just over $1 million. Still, it is scheduled to make over $38 million in the next two seasons, when the Giants will have enormous cap space. So would Joe Schoen want to pay a receiver that will turn 30 in March and has a hard time staying on the field?
Michael Thomas was arguably the best receiver in the league from 2016 to 2019, as he had four consecutive seasons of over 90 catches for over 1,100 yards. This accounts for why he was voted to the Pro Bowl from 2017-2019 and was named NFL Offensive Player of the Year in 2019 when he set the record for most receptions in a season with 149.