The New York Giants have lofty expectations for the 2024 season despite having a lot to prove after another disappointing campaign in 2023. They say confidence is key, but second-year receiver Jalin Hyatt is eyeing the playoffs, making a bold statement on Thursday during practice.
Elevated Expectations for the New York Giants in 2024
“We are a playoff team.” – Jalin Hyatt
The Giants ranked second to last in points per game last season, only ahead of the miserable New York Jets, but sported the worst offensive line in football, ranking dead last in pass protection.
This offseason, the team reinforced the trenches with Jon Runyan, Jermaine Eluemunor, and Brian Burns on the defensive side. Ultimately, these three players should make a significant difference in supporting either side of the football, but the Giants still have much to improve.
Reinforcements and High Hopes for Quarterback Daniel Jones
Quarterback Daniel Jones will reclaim his job as the primary starter coming off ACL surgery, as the Giants failed to replace him in the 2024 NFL Draft. Instead, they managed to secure Malik Nabers out of LSU, arguably the most exciting and impactful playmaker in the class. With quarterbacks going off the board left and right, the Giants were perfectly positioned to land Nabers, who put up over 1,500 yards last season with Jaden Daniels as his quarterback.
Jones has never had a true and tried star receiver, so the offense should take a big step forward. It’s just a matter of the $40 million quarterback staying healthy and taking a big step in his development. Jones has struggled moving through his progressions in the past, lacking consistency in a lot of areas. With the offensive line receiving reinforcements and the pass-catching unit enjoying a big upgrade, there are simply no more excuses moving forward.
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The Giants have an out in Jones’s deal after the 2024 season, which would save them a minimum of $19 million. Considering he would have a $41.6 million hit and a $58.6 million hit in 2026, it is fair to say they will move on and address the position in the 2025 NFL Draft unless Jones has a truly fantastic year, which remains unlikely.