The New York Giants have taken a gamble most teams would shy away from.
They’re running it back with essentially the same wide receiver group they finished last season with, putting all their chips on chemistry and internal development.
Rather than spending high picks on flashy pass catchers, the Giants doubled down on defense and landed quarterback Jaxson Dart, leaving the wideout depth chart virtually untouched.
Their biggest move was extending Darius Slayton, who inked a new three-year deal to stick around as a trusted target.
Bryce Ford-Wheaton facing pivotal crossroads
Few players on the roster carry as much intrigue — and as much uncertainty — as Bryce Ford-Wheaton.
Once a fan favorite simply because of his rare blend of size and speed, Ford-Wheaton’s journey has been anything but smooth.
He’s battled through a torn ACL two years ago and multiple shoulder dislocations last season that would’ve ended many hopeful careers.
Last season, he still managed to appear in 14 games, largely carving out a niche on special teams.
It’s a testament to his toughness, but even that might not be enough this time around.
Giants receiver room more competitive than it seems
While the Giants didn’t add major weapons to their receiving corps, the margins at the bottom of the depth chart are razor thin.
Players like Zach Pascal are clawing for backup jobs, meaning Ford-Wheaton has no margin for error if he wants to secure a roster spot.
Given that he’s yet to make a legitimate impact as a receiver, his best path remains through special teams.
If he can’t lock down a role there, the Giants could be forced to cut bait on a once-promising project.
Ford-Wheaton running out of chances to prove himself
Think of Ford-Wheaton like a race car with a powerful engine that’s always had mechanical issues.
The speed is obvious, the frame is tantalizing, but the reliability hasn’t been there.
He underwent shoulder surgery this offseason to finally fix the nagging issue that popped out of place multiple times last year.
Now he’ll have to show that he’s healthy enough and versatile enough to earn a job in one of the league’s more competitive training camp atmospheres.
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Giants betting that defense and quarterback upgrades can offset risk
By largely ignoring wide receiver in the offseason, the Giants are making it clear they believe Malik Nabers can continue blossoming into a true superstar.
They’re also hoping a more stable quarterback situation with Russell Wilson and rookie Jaxson Dart keeps defenses honest.
But if that plan fails, it could expose the back end of the receiver room, where Ford-Wheaton is desperately trying to hang on.
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