Ever before Malik Nabers hit the ground, it was evident that the New York Giants star receiver had suffered a serious injury. The expression on Nabers’ face, followed by a ride on the cart, only further hammered home the severe nature of the nightmare scenario playing out at MetLife Stadium.
It is feared that Nabers suffered a torn right ACL, which would end his season. He will undergo an MRI on Monday to confirm.
That leaves the Giants, who secured an upset victory in Week 4 to get into the win column, in a precarious position. Nabers was the focal point of their offense and the fuel that powered the unit. Without him, the team’s offensive identity must change.
With a need at wide receiver, here are six players the Giants could add through free agency, practice squad signings, or trades.
Odell Beckham Jr.
There have already been calls for the Giants to bring Odell Beckham Jr. home, and they only intensified on Sunday night. While OBJ may not be what he once was, he remains in playing shape and desires not only a return to the field, but potentially, a return to the very team that drafted him. He was in the building in Week 3 and has teased a desire to return for the better part of a year. Is now finally the time?
Lil’Jordan Humphrey
This seems like the most obvious initial solution. The 6-foot-4 Lil’Jordan Humphrey is already on the team’s practice squad, has a rapport with rookie quarterback Jaxson Dart, and is familiar with the offense. He obviously would not replace Nabers (no one player can), but his addition to the 53-man roster would add some depth to the thinning unit.
Jakobi Meyers
If general manager Joe Schoen wants to go down the trade route, Jakobi Meyers is reportedly unhappy with the Las Vegas Raiders and could, potentially, be had for a late-round pick. Whether or not the Giants would be willing to part with draft assets is the question, but Meyers would be a solid addition and could produce at high levels in Mike Kafka’s offense. He’s fresh off a 1,000-yard season and on pace for another in 2025.
Ricky White
A seventh-round pick of the Seattle Seahawks, Ricky White is currently languishing on the team’s practice squad. The Giants could sign him off the reserve unit to their 53-man roster without having to trade anything away, which seems like the easiest route based on their salary cap situation. The UNLV star could not only acclimate to the offense, but could also provide a spark in the return game.
Chris Olave
New Orleans Saints wide receiver Chris Olave is under contract through the 2026 season, but his future in The Big Easy is tenuous at best. He’s going to be in line for a big contract, and the Saints may be more interested in accumulating draft assets as they rebuild, as opposed to signing players to mega deals. This would be a splash move for the Giants, and one that would come at a significant cost. But never say never.
Diontae Johnson
Diontae Johnson hates playing in cold weather, which may be an eliminating factor here. However, he remains firmly planted on his couch and may want to rethink that if he desires an NFL return. Could that come with the Giants? It’s unlikely that they’d want to risk dealing with his sometimes questionable behavior, but desperation can sometimes lead to some strange bedfellows.
Other free agent options:
- D. J. Chark
- Tyler Boyd
- Nelson Agholor
- Robert Woods
- Allen Robinson
This article originally appeared on Giants Wire: 6 wide receivers New York Giants could add after Malik Nabers injury
