Why Giants' Jalin Hyatt has new 'confidence' ahead of critical season

New York Giants wide receiver Jalin Hyatt was the subject of trade rumors this past winter after the 2023 third-round draft pick completed the second disappointing season of his pro career. 

During a recent chat with Evan Barnes of Newsday, Hyatt spoke about receiving an opportunity to jump-start his career as part of a Giants offense that will feature veteran Russell Wilson at quarterback. 

"It definitely brings confidence," Hyatt said about playing alongside Wilson. "Especially with the type of player Russ is and what he has done in his career, for him to say that, it just brought confidence for me."

Hyatt was referencing how Wilson said during his introductory news conference back in March that he believes the 23-year-old wideout has "been untapped in terms of what he knows he's capable of." Wilson later orchestrated a private workout with Hyatt in Los Angeles.

"He’s been texting me 24/7, calling me," Hyatt said about his relationship with Wilson. "We’ve been working [together] 24/7, and I didn’t really have that from the quarterback. Just proud that he’s here."

Of course, Hyatt sounded quite confident in his abilities when he vowed last summer that he would record his first-ever regular-season touchdown in Week 1 of the 2024 campaign. He’s still searching for the first meaningful score of his career after he finished last season with just eight catches on 19 targets for 62 yards. 

Barring an injury or an unexpected development, Wilson will enter September as New York's undisputed QB1 over rookie Jaxson Dart and backup Jameis Winston. That's just fine with Hyatt. 

"Just blessed that [Wilson’s] a part of this team," Hyatt added during his comments. "We got to make plays for him. I gotta make plays. That’s what it is at the end of the day." 

Giants head coach Brian Daboll seemingly hopes that the speedy Hyatt will benefit from playing with a signal-caller known for tossing "moon balls" during games, beginning with the Giants' regular-season opener at the Washington Commanders on Sept. 7. That said, Wilson may only get a couple of starts before Daboll and Co. turn to Dart.