By Michael Stewart@TheTruthNYG
The New York Giants are in their bye week with a surprising 6-2 record, but GM Joe Schoen is not taking a break as he is burning the midnight oil as the NFL trade deadline ends today with the possible urgency on adding much needed up at the wide receiver position. The rumor mill has been at full throttle on social media with the usual suspects as the Giants current roster at the wide receiver position has under achieved in the 1st half and has put limitations on the Giants total offensive production.
Top 3 Targets
- Jerry Jeudy (Denver): Jeudy seems to be the most talked about wide receiver for the Giants, but that notion comes with a higher price tag as it’s being reported that the Broncos would request at least a 2nd round pick in the package if they would indeed be willing to trade him. Jeudy is still under team control for another two seasons, but it’s unclear if Joe Schoen is willing to part with a 2nd round pick.
- Chase Claypool (Pittsburgh): Claypool is on his 3rd year of his rookie deal, so he would only be under control for another year (2023) before hitting free agency. The Steelers are looking to give their 2022 2nd round pick George Pickens more snaps and are willing to listen to offers for Claypool and it appears the bidding is starting with a 2nd round pick. Again, Schoen could be hard pressed to forfeit over a 2nd rounder for his services.
- DJ Moore (Carolina): Moore’s name has been mentioned as a possible option for the Giants, but unlike Jeudy or Claypool; Moore has a high cap hit for the next two seasons. With the pending outcome of either Daniel Jones and Saquan Barkley for 2023 or beyond, not sure if Schoen is willing to take on this added financial burden.
Middle 3 Targets
- Brandin Cooks (Houston): Cooks falls slightly into the mid-tier of possible receivers available, but it appears the Texans are demanding a 2nd round pick in exchange. Cooks still has $18M in base salary for 2023 and $13M in 2024. Schoen must first consider what he’s going to do with Daniel Jones and Saquan Barkley as both will be looking for new deals in 2023. The likelihood of a Cooks to Giants scenario at this point seems highly unlikely.
- KJ Hamler (Denver): Hamler has one year left on his contract ($1.583M) for 2023 before becoming a free agent in 2024. Expectations are that if Schoen does invest in a wide receiver on the trade front, it would be for one with multiple years of control. Hamler is averaging slightly over 23 yards per catch but has seen limited snaps with the Broncos.
- Allen Robinson (Los Angeles Rams): Robinson’s name has emerged recently as a possible target, but with his current contract which still has part of this season and two more years (2023/2024) I highly doubt Schoen would venture into this scenario with the Rams due to cap space implications.
Bottom 3 Targets
- Denzel Mims (New York Jets): Mims has the size/speed and talent that would be a welcomed addition to the Giants in the 2nd half. It’s not common for the Jets and Giants to be trading partners, so this scenario might not be plausible. However, if it is there’s a reasonable chance that Joe Schoen would only need to forfeit a Day 3 pick somewhere between rounds 5 through 7 to obtain Mims, then this scenario could have traction.
- Elijah Moore (New York Jets): Moore is another New York Jets receiver who is unhappy with his playing time and has requested a trade. Whether or not Jets GM Joe Douglas would accommodate him is unknown, but his name has been circulating over the past few weeks and should be noted. I would suspect a mid to late Day 3 pick could get it done if both parties show interest.
- Terrance Marshall (Carolina): Marshall still has two years remaining on his rookie deal after this season and would be more of an ideal candidate than Moore based on the Giants current cap situation and objectives. Joe Schoen would certainly consider making a pitch for Marshall who would more than likely only cost them a mid-Day 3 pick.
As the clock is ticking will GM Joe Schoen pull the trigger and give the Giants a much-needed help at the wide receiver position to give the team’s offense a boost. With a total of 11 picks (counting two compensation picks) in the upcoming NFL draft Schoen certainly has enough ammunition to make a move, but will he? If so, what will Schoen be willing to give up? Schoen could also forego the trade route and continue to search for a wide receiver through possible waiver wires or even on practice squads. Although this has been projected to be a rebuilding year, the Giants success has put them on a fast track to think playoffs. Keep an eye out for my two-part series “Mid-Season Grades for the Giants”