It’s no secret that former Tennessee Vols wide receiver Jalin Hyatt is on the roster bubble with the New York Giants ahead of the 2026 season.

After a promising rookie year in 2023, Hyatt fell out of favor with the Giants’ coaching staff the last two seasons.

New Giants head coach John Harbaugh, who replaced Brian Daboll earlier this offseason, typically prefers a run-first offensive system, which has led to further questions about Hyatt’s fit in New York.

Hyatt probably isn’t going to crack the Giants’ wide receiver rotation — unless there are injuries — which means he may need to carve out a key role on special teams to lock down a roster spot.

And that’s exactly what he’s trying to do.

Hyatt is working some as a special teams gunner early in training camp, according to the New York Post.

“Former third-round pick WR Jalin Hyatt, who is on the outside of the roster bubble, worked as a punt gunner – a change from years past when he was a returner during special-teams periods, and had a great rep where he used his speed to get wide and down the field to draw a penalty,” reported Ryan Dunleavy.

Dunleavy also noted that Hyatt caught a touchdown pass from backup quarterback Jameis Winston in practice.

If Hyatt can provide special teams value while serving as a depth option at wide receiver, it could be his ticket to securing a spot on the Giants’ 53-man roster.

This is an important season for Hyatt — the former Vol, who will turn 25 in September, is entering the final season of his rookie contract.