ESPN makes suggestion for the Giants that wouldn't bode well for former Tennessee Vols WR Jalin Hyatt's future in New York
New York Giants wide receiver Jalin Hyatt's second season in the NFL didn't go like the former Tennessee Vols standout envisioned. Hyatt, a third round selection by the Giants in the 2023 NFL Draft, was viewed as a breakout candidate in 2024 after receiving significant praise from New York's coaching staff during OTAs and training […]
New York Giants wide receiver Jalin Hyatt's second season in the NFL didn't go like the former Tennessee Vols standout envisioned.
Hyatt, a third round selection by the Giants in the 2023 NFL Draft, was viewed as a breakout candidate in 2024 after receiving significant praise from New York's coaching staff during OTAs and training camp.
The former Vol, however, was a non-factor for the Giants in 2024, catching just eight passes for 62 yards. Hyatt caught 23 passes for 373 yards as a rookie in 2023.
One of the biggest reasons why Hyatt wasn't a bigger factor for the Giants in 2024 was because of veteran wide receiver Darius Slayton.
Slayton, who offers a similar skillset as Hyatt, caught 50 passes for 770 yards and four touchdowns in 2024.
Slayton, who turned 28 earlier this month, is slated to be a free agent when the new league year begins in March. If Slayton leaves New York for another team, it should open the door for Hyatt to receive more playing time in the Giants' offense.
ESPN's Dan Graziano, however, suggested this week that New York should consider re-signing Slayton this offseason.
From ESPN: It's tough to find many must-signs on the Giants' roster, but outside of Malik Nabers, their receiving corps lacks star power and reliability. Slayton has been a dependable option for them when healthy (at least 40 catches in each of the past three seasons), and bringing him back shouldn't cost a ton.
If Slayton re-signs with the Giants, then I don't see how Hyatt sees the field in 2025 (barring injury).
(I don't think Slayton would return to New York to play in a role where he's splitting time with Hyatt.)
In that case, the best thing that could happen for Hyatt would be for the Giants to trade him (he'd be a great fit for a team like the Kansas City Chiefs…plus I'm sure Hyatt would love to play with Patrick Mahomes).
After the season ended, Hyatt was non-committal on his future with the Giants.
Hyatt, who has two years left on his rookie contract, isn't really in a position where he can demand a trade. He's essentially in a spot where he just has to hope the Giants do right by him this offseason.
