Breaking: Giants close in to sign a new rookie tight end in a blockbuster deal.
This offseason, the tight end room for the New York Giants has been completely destroyed. This offseason, veteran playmaker Darren Waller made his retirement known. The Giants selected rookie tight end Theo Johnson with a fourth-round pick, sensing Waller’s departure was a real possibility. However, it was just revealed that Johnson is listed as physically unable to perform (PUP) and will report to training camp accordingly.
Daniel Bellinger and a number of other unproven and backup players are the only healthy tight ends still on the team. The Giants might be aware of this possible vulnerability and try to bolster their roster with another tight end in free agency.
In free agency, which tight ends might the Giants pursue?
The Giants will have to choose from a limited pool of options if they wish to sign a tight end via free agency. However, there are still a few notable free agents at the position that are worth considering, including some intriguing veteran talent.
Jimmy Graham, a 37-year-old tight end and former first-team All-Pro, completed his 12th NFL season in 2023. Graham may still be a useful backup quarterback even though he isn’t the same talent he was in 2013, when he led the NFL in receiving touchdowns. Despite playing in just 13 games in 2023 and only catching six receptions, Graham scored four touchdowns, showing that his 6-foot-7 basketball player frame still makes him a potent weapon in the red zone.
Another seasoned tight end still available in free agency is Geoff Swaim. In 11 games during his one-year deal, the 30-year-old caught 10 passes for 94 yards with the Arizona Cardinals in 2023. Although he can be counted on as a dependable veteran, Swaim doesn’t bring much to the Giants’ offense in place of the injured Johnson.
Kenny Yeboah, Blake Bell, and Tyler Kroft are among the other unsigned free agents. Although it’s difficult to predict which of these guys will have an effect during the regular season, any of them might be signed to provide the Giants’ tight end space more depth.