With an opening at the tight end position following Darren Waller’s retirement, New York Giants’ Daniel Bellinger has an opportunity to make a massive impact in his third NFL season. More reps for Bellinger will be open at the start of training camp as well with recently drafted tight end Theo Johnson being placed on the PUP list with a hip injury.
Theo Johnson’s injury grants a huge opportunity for Daniel Bellinger
Bellinger and Johnson are expected to be the main competitors for the starting gig. Johnson was drafted in the fourth round of this year’s draft and has the potential to be an important piece to New York’s offense for years to come, but with him missing the start of training camp, Bellinger has a chance to make a name for himself and continue the positive trends into the regular season.
The 23-year-old Bellinger has had a productive first two NFL seasons, hauling in 55 of 63 career targets with 523 receiving yards and two touchdowns (both in 2022). The injuries that Waller dealt with last season gave Bellinger a greater opportunity to develop, and now he is expected to take charge at the position once more.
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Bellinger could quickly become a top target in the Giants’ offense
With Saquon Barkley no longer with the G-men, the Giants’ offense is expected to be more dynamic, specifically in the passing game. This is a massive season for quarterback Daniel Jones, as his performance could determine his future with New York going forward. Therefore, Bellinger could become a key component of the offense in 2024, and the added usage could turn him into a serviceable weapon at the tight end position.
The Giants would benefit largely with a breakout season from Bellinger, as there are lots of questions about the other skill positions on offense. The young tight end is currently the lone playmaker who has proven to be a steady force offensively when he’s available.
Last season, he played in every game, and only missed some time his rookie season as a result of a freak eye injury, but returned for the playoffs and scored a receiving touchdown in their Wild Card win over the Minnesota Vikings.
As training camp commences, Bellinger has the opportunity to prove why he should reclaim his starting spot for the 2024 season. If he continues to develop in the right direction, he is certainly a breakout candidate for this upcoming season.