Giants could upgrade offense with perfect experienced wide reciever

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With Darius Slayton expected to depart in free agency, the Giants will likely be searching for a veteran wide receiver to complement their young core. General manager Joe Schoen has prioritized financial flexibility, but if the team drafts a rookie quarterback, it would make sense to overpay for a reliable, experienced wideout to help stabilize the offense. That’s where DeAndre Hopkins enters the conversation.

Hopkins Still Has Plenty Left in the Tank

At 32 years old, Hopkins isn’t the dominant force he once was, but he remains an exceptional route runner with some of the best hands in the league. He played a key role in helping Kansas City reach the Super Bowl after being acquired from Tennessee, stepping in as a dependable target when the Chiefs desperately needed a steady presence in their receiving corps.

NFL: AFC Championship-Buffalo Bills at Kansas City Chiefs
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Across his time with the Titans and Chiefs in 2024, Hopkins recorded 620 receiving yards and five touchdowns, with an impressive 70.4% reception rate. While he’s no longer a volume monster, he’s still an elite possession receiver who thrives on short/medium concepts, a skill that would be invaluable for a developing quarterback.

A Perfect Fit for a Young QB

If the Giants select a quarterback early in the 2025 draft, adding a veteran like Hopkins would provide an immediate security blanket. Young quarterbacks often struggle with timing and accuracy as they adjust to NFL speed, and having a wideout like Hopkins—who can create separation with crisp routes and strong hands—would make life significantly easier.

Additionally, Hopkins’ leadership could be invaluable for Malik Nabers, who is coming off a stellar rookie season. He would offer a mentor for Nabers while also taking pressure off him as the team’s primary receiving threat.

NFL: Houston Texans at Kansas City Chiefs
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Why the Giants Should Pay Up

Hopkins is nearing the end of his career, and if he wins a Super Bowl with Kansas City, he may prioritize one last lucrative deal over chasing another ring. That puts the Giants in a prime position to make a competitive offer. Given their uncertain quarterback situation and the need for veteran stability, Schoen could justify overpaying for Hopkins on a short-term contract.

With the free-agent market lacking top-tier options, Hopkins represents one of the few available receivers who can immediately elevate the offense. The Giants need an experienced WR2, and Hopkins is one of the best options on the market to fill that role.

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