The 2021 free-agent wide receiver class is absolutely stacked with talent. Receiver needy teams are going to have plenty of options once the free agency period starts next year. The New York Giants are a team that could quite possibly look into one of these receivers to bolster their pass-catching unit. The Giants haven’t really filled the shoes of Odell Beckham Jr, their last true number one receiver, whom they traded to Cleveland in March of 2019.
Before I list some potential options, here’s a disclaimer. Some of these receivers could not hit free agency. Some will sign contract extensions, some could still be franchise tagged, but these are just players who’s current contracts expire after the 2020 season.
With the being said, here are a few intriguing options for the New York Giants:
1. Chris Godwin
Godwin had a terrific 2019 season. Racking up 86 receptions for 1,333 yards and nine touchdowns, Godwin solidified himself as a certified playmaker. The 1-2 punch of him and fellow Buccaneer Mike Evans makes one of the best receiver tandems in the NFL today. With the loaded offensive arsenal Tampa Bay has assembled thanks to the additions of Tom Brady and Rob Gronkowski, Godwin might look to become a number one receiver somewhere, and the Giants could be the team to give him that opportunity at just 24 years old.
2. Allen Robinson
A-Rob has been a solid contributor on the field since he was drafted in 2014. The only reason he is not considered among the elite talents at the position today could be due to the fact that he has spent his entire career in two bottom tier offensive systems in Jacksonville and now Chicago. Caching passes from Blake Bortles and Mitch Trubisky can certainly contribute to the hindrance of anyone’s productivity, but Robinson has still managed to produce solid numbers. The Bears were the 29th ranked offense last season averaging only 296.8 yards per game, but Robinson still amassed over 1,100 yards and seven touchdowns. In the right situation, Robinson (still only 26 years old) could flourish as a WR1.
3. A.J. Green
Green often gets forgotten about when talking about elite receivers. Injuries sidelined him all of 2019, and for almost half of the season in 2018. Prior to that, Green has only not produced a least 1,000 yards in a season twice since he was drafted in 2011. A big-bodied, physical receiver is exactly what the Giants could use. Green has been franchise tagged by the Bengals and is going into his age 33 season, but can still be a contributing factor in the passing game. Quick route runners like Slayton and Shepard are useful in the slot and short-yardage situations, but an over the top go up and get it receiver like Green could be a very interesting addition to the Giants offensive arsenal.
4. Mike Williams
The Chargers wideout logged his first 1,000-yard season last year, despite a down year from Phillip Rivers. In an offense full of weapons with Keenan Allen, Hunter Henry, and Austin Ekeler, Williams’s contribution didn’t go unnoticed as he is looking like one of the most promising young wideouts in football. Approaching just his third season in the league, the 25-year-old Clemson star definitely has WR1 potential. Williams does have a fifth-year option the Chargers can use, but if they choose not to, the Giants could give him the opportunity come 2021.
5. T.Y. Hilton
T.Y. is getting up there in age but is still a solid contributor on offense. The sudden retirement of Andrew Luck certainly derailed the Colts chances of success and subsequently Hilton’s as well, not to mention injuries caused him to miss six games last year. A big bounce-back year could be in the works for Hilton, though. Jacoby Brissett looks now to be just a bridge quarterback to hopefully groom his possible successor Jacob Eason, whom the Colts drafted in the fourth round back in April. With a young, strong offensive line and a stout young defense, the Colts might look to embrace a new era and move on from Hilton. Should the Giants give him a chance to prove his worth? We’ll see in 2021.