Ranking of the best WR trade opportunities for giants
The New York Giants just signed quarterback Daniel Jones to a massive contract extension, but now is the time to give the signalman a real weapon in the passing game. The Giants could target a wide receiver with a trade this season to give Jones his playmaker. New York can look at a few wide offerings available for offseason trading, such as DeAndre Hopkins, Brandon Aiyuk and Michael Pittman Jr.
1. Brandon Ayuk
San Fransisco 49ers WR Brandon Aiyuk should top the Giants list for trade targets this season. At 24 years old, Aiyuk could be a long-term solution for the Giants. The speedy playmaker is coming off a career year in which he posted career highs in receptions (78), receiving yards (1,015), and touchdowns (eight).
Ayuk is dynamic with the ball in his hands and also walks paths at elite level. New York needs a receiver who can break away from coverage and open up the secondary. Brandon Ayuk fits that bill.
2. DeAndre Hopkins
The Arizona Cardinals are looking to trade former All-Pro WR DeAndre Hopkins this offseason. According to Ian Rappaport, Hopkins is expected to be “flexible in the last two years of his contract – rather than aiming for the best deal in the market”. This could make Hopkins a realistic option for the Giants as they look to get a player who won’t tie their hands with the salary cap.
Hopkins is 30 years old but he is still playing at a high level. He’s posted 64 receptions, 717 yards, and three touchdowns in just nine games this season while catching passes from Arizona backup quarterbacks. Giving Daniel Jones an elite and veteran playmaker like Hopkins would create a dynamic offense for the Giants.
3. Michael Bateman Jr.
Indianapolis Colts WR Michael Pittman could be another smaller, long-term option for the Giants. The 25-year-old Pittman has posted at least 900 yards in each of the last two seasons. In 2022, Pittman recorded 99 receptions for 925 yards and four touchdowns.
Michael Pittman is a physical 6-foot-4 receiver who can make tough catches through the middle of the field and can add an element of reliability to the Giants’ receiving corps. Pittman’s touchdown rate has never been higher than 4.7% in his three-year career. As the Colts prepare to rebuild, they can charge Pittman before the contract extension is due. The Giants are addressed as a team in need of receiving talent with plenty of salary cap room to extend Pittman when he arrives.
