Giants urged to pursue reunion with intriguing playmaker

One of the goals of the New York Giants this offseason was to upgrade the supporting cast on offense. No matter who was under center last season, whether it be Daniel Jones, Tyrod Taylor or Tommy DeVito, help was lacking.

The offensive line was not good, failing to protect the passer or consistently open up running lanes. Saquon Barkley was the only offensive threat opponents were worried about, gearing all their game plans toward stopping him.

With Barkley now on the Philadelphia Eagles and Darren Waller retired, an upgrade needed to be made. The offensive line has been remade, with Jermaine Eluemenor, Jon Runyan Jr. and Greg Van Roten all being signed.

It would not be surprising if all three are in the starting lineup on opening day at right tackle, right guard and left guard. Not only did Joe Schoen upgrade the Giants’ offensive line depth, but he also added some new weapons.

Devin Singletary was signed in free agency to offset the loss of Barkley at running back. Tyrone Tracy Jr. was selected in the fifth round of the 2024 NFL Draft. With their first-round pick, New York selected LSU star wide receiver Malik Nabers, who has been dominating training camp.

He joins an intriguing wide receiver group that includes 2023 third-round pick Jalin Hyatt, 2022 second-rounder Wan’Dale Robinson and veterans Darius Slayton and Allen Robinson. Despite that depth, Kristopher Knox of Bleacher Report believes the Giants should dip into free agency for more help.

He has suggested that Big Blue sign veteran free agent Richie James. New York fans will remember him from the 2022 team, as he tied for the team lead with 57 receptions, was second in yardage with 569 and tied for first with four touchdowns.

“…Younger players like Wan’Dale Robinson and Jalin Hyatt have flashed potential, but New York should explore every avenue toward improving the passing attack.

"Bringing back wideout Richie James, who spent last season with the Kansas City Chiefs, would make plenty of sense.

…After playing on a one-year, $1.2 million contract last season, James should be open to a return at a bargain price,” Knox wrote.

Bringing on James would be a great insurance policy for the Giants. Ideally, their younger players will show more than flashes, becoming consistent playmakers for Jones or Drew Lock to rely on.

If they aren’t ready for that role, James can step in. He knows the offense from his previous tenure with the team. With the rule changes to kickoffs, he offers the team another player with experience returning kicks.