Despite the New York Giants’ interest in drafting a tight end in the 2022 NFL draft, they have been scouring the market for a potential veteran solution. On Thursday, the Giants announced they had agreed to terms with former Houston Texans tight end Jordan Akins, pending a physical.
Akins is a 6’4″, 243 pound TE, having spent four seasons in the NFL with Houston. Over 58 total games and 23 starts, Akins has produced 1,260 yards and three touchdown catches. Last season, he tallied 214 yards in 13 games, providing a 72.7% catch rate.
While Akins isn’t the most productive offensive threat, he is a solid reserve with experience on a cheap contract. His former deal amounted to $3.3 million over four seasons, earning a career-high $2.18 million in base salary last season.
The Giants are likely signing Akins to a cost-efficient contract. Coming off a season where he fumbled the football twice, the Giants are likely hoping he can compete in the tight ends room this off-season. Another notable point is Akins has worked with new Giants’ TE coach Andy Bischoff during his time in Houston, so there’s an obvious connection.
We should still heavily expect new general manager Joe Schoen to invest a Day 2 pick on a new TE, having shown interest in Virginia stand-out Jelani Woods.