The mission is simple. Accelerate rookie quarterback Jaxson Dart’s development and stabilize an offense hit hard by Malik Nabers’ season-ending ACL injury and Darius Slayton’s hamstring issue.
Since Dart took over, New York has won two of three and just dropped 34 on the Philadelphia Eagles, which is why the front office is pushing to add a top option rather than a short-term rental.
Why the Giants are big-game hunting at receiver
Cap mechanics hint at movement. Restructures that created space for 2025 landed the Giants in position to add salary if the right deal appears. League chatter frames the pursuit as long-term shopping, not a stopgap. That works with a receiver room that needs another high-end piece when Nabers returns next year.
The Giants traded a 2nd and a 5th round pick for Brian Burns last offseason. Look at what he has blossomed into in his new environment. Look at the impact of that trade.
— Anthony Rivardo (@Anthony_Rivardo) October 16, 2025
If you think trading for Jaylen Waddle could have a similar impact on your offense, you trade a 2nd for him. pic.twitter.com/6s81J9yisZ
The targets and what it could cost
Chris Olave would bring a true route-running technician under team control through 2026, though the New Orleans Saints would need a strong offer to budge.
Jaylen Waddle just shouldered a larger role with the Miami Dolphins and remains a home-run threat who would transform spacing for Dart, but prying him loose would require significant capital and contract navigation.
Jakobi Meyers profiles as the most attainable upgrade, a reliable mover of chains who can settle into a No. 2 role when Nabers is back. The calculus is the same across all three. If the price delivers multi-year value, the Giants can justify paying up now rather than waiting for a market that rarely guarantees access to this tier of wideout.
According to Over The Cap, trading for Jaylen Waddle has the following salary cap implications for the New York Giants:
— Anthony Rivardo (@Anthony_Rivardo) October 16, 2025
- only $780k incoming 2025 cap hit
- $4.9M cap hit added to 2026
Absolutely affordable from a financial standpoint. pic.twitter.com/UGQMkLJdzO
Adding one of these receivers would raise the offensive floor immediately and expand Brian Daboll’s menu on third downs and in the red zone. With the division wobbling and a rookie quarterback flashing poise, the timing to act is as good as it gets.
Photo Credit: Rich Storry-Imagn Images
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